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[Centaur]

The waning crescent Moon will occult (cover) the Mag 1.0 star Spica in Virgo during the afternoon of 2005 OCT 31 for observers in Chicagoland. The Moon will be elongated slightly less than 15° from the Sun. The coordinates of date for Spica will be RA 13:25.5 and Dec S 11°11'.

This should be a test of your observing ability during the daytime. Take great care to avoid viewing the Sun. If you have doubts, don't do it.

I've created a graphic preview of the event including data for an observer located at Chicago's Adler Planetarium. To see it click:
www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html

If you wish to have data for a different location, simply reply in this thread with your geographic longitude, latitude, altitude and time zone.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

That is a tough observation to tackle, with the many variables to contend with of daylight targeting.

I'll try, but I don't have much confidence.

Sigh.

[Centaur]

admin said:

That is a tough observation to tackle, with the many variables to contend with of daylight targeting.

I'll try, but I don't have much confidence.

Sigh.

Joe, you did a fine job with the daylight occultation of Jupiter last year. I'll bet you come through again unless the clouds spoil the fun. Within my initial post I added Spica's coordinates, which may be helpful.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Curt,

Lol...You have an incredible memory! It certanly was a memorable Jupiter/Lunar occultation last spring and let's hope this one will prove just as cool!...

Thanks for you intricate and detailed information.