Moon to Occult Jupiter in Southern Thailand Thursday

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, announced that on the early morning of November 3, 2026, a "lunar occultation of Jupiter" will occur from approximately 04:03 to 05:03 (based on the Chaloem Phra Kiat Observatory in Songkhla). When observed from Earth toward the east, the Moon will gradually move to cover Jupiter. If the sky is clear and rain-free, it can be viewed with the naked eye specifically in southern Thailand, lower Chonburi, and the islands of Trat province.

Suparerk Karuehan, Assistant Director of NARIT, revealed that on the early morning of November 3, the southern region of Thailand will experience the lunar occultation of Jupiter. Observation begins in the east where the Moon and Jupiter will appear close together. Then at approximately 04:03, the Moon will gradually move to cover Jupiter, causing Jupiter to slowly disappear behind the Moon, and Jupiter will re-emerge from the Moon's dark limb at approximately 05:03.

The event is visible to the naked eye specifically from the central area of Tha Yang district, Phetchaburi province, down through the southern region, the lower area of Sattahip district, including some islands in Chonburi (such as Ko Khram Yai and Ko Ira), parts of Laem Ngop district, and islands in Trat (such as parts of Ko Chang, Ko Mak, and Ko Kut). If viewed through binoculars or a small telescope, details of Jupiter's cloud bands and all four Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) can be seen gradually disappearing behind the Moon and reappearing one by one. (This data is calculated for the Chaloem Phra Kiat Observatory in Songkhla; if observed from other locations, the start and end times of the phenomenon may differ.)

Celestial occultations are rare events, and each occurrence is visible only from certain areas of Earth because the Moon is relatively close to Earth, so its apparent position in the sky varies by observer location. This causes observers in different areas, including across Thailand, to see this event differently.

Some areas will see a "grazing occultation of Jupiter by the Moon," which occurs along a narrow graze path crossing the border between Tha Yang and Cha-am districts in Phetchaburi, upper Hua Hin district in Prachuap Khiri Khan, lower Sattahip and Ko Khram Yai in Chonburi (south of U-Tapao and Samut Sakhon), and northern Ko Chang and the coast of Laem Ngop in Trat. Observers in these areas will see the Moon's limb only partially cover Jupiter, not hiding it completely, causing the star's light to blink on and off as it passes behind lunar mountains, craters, and valleys — a rare and highly valuable sight for lunar limb mapping.

Meanwhile, other areas across the country outside the graze path will not see the occultation but can enjoy another beautiful phenomenon: "Jupiter close to the Moon," shining brightly together in the eastern sky from approximately 01:00 until dawn.

Interested observers, if weather permits with clear skies and no rain, can view with the naked eye. They should choose an open location without buildings, trees, or obstructions blocking the eastern sky, such as beaches, hilltop viewpoints, open fields, or farmland.

Additionally, throughout November...