Observers in Jordan will see the moon and the Pleiades star cluster align in the night sky on Wednesday, Oct. 28. This celestial event involves the moon passing in front of the cluster, creating a conjunction visible from the kingdom. Members of the Jordanian Astronomical Society in Amman have noted the positioning of these bodies as they transit the local horizon. Ammar Sakaji and Fahad Akhu Rasheeda remain engaged in tracking the movement of the lunar disk relative to the stars. The alignment provides a clear view for local stargazers interested in the intersection of these two astronomical objects. Clear conditions are expected to facilitate the observation across the country as the moon moves through the field of the Pleiades.
The upcoming alignment on Wednesday, Oct. 28, represents a notable opportunity for those studying the movement of celestial bodies within the Jordanian sky. By monitoring the specific trajectory of the moon, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how the lunar disk interacts with distant stellar formations during such a transit. The event is expected to be observable from various locations throughout the nation, provided that local weather conditions remain favorable for night-sky viewing.
Lunar Phase and Illumination
Lunar surface characteristics during the alignment reflect the moon’s position in its waning gibbous phase. Ammar Sakaji, Jordanian Astronomical Society (JAS) President, stated, "The moon will emerge in its waning gibbous phase with about 95 percent illumination." This level of brightness defines the visual context for the event, as the lunar disk maintains a significant portion of its visible surface while moving across the sky. During this phase, the moon will be in its waning gibbous phase with approximately 95 percent illumination, providing significant light that will influence the visual observation of the dimmer stars within the cluster.
Precise positioning between the two astronomical subjects remains a key feature of the conjunction. Measurements indicate the angular distance between the center of the moon and the Pleiades cluster will be less than one degree. This proximity creates the visual effect of the moon passing in front of the stars from the perspective of observers in Jordan. The angular distance between the moon's center and the Pleiades cluster will be less than one degree, a measurement that notes the closeness of the two objects in the observer's field of vision.
The Pleiades star cluster exists as a distant collection of stars within the constellation Taurus. Current astronomical data places the cluster roughly 435 light-years away from Earth. The Pleiades star cluster is located roughly 435 light-years away in the constellation Taurus. Despite this distance, the cluster remains a focal point for those monitoring the transit on 28 October.
Members of the Jordanian Astronomical Society intend to track these movements throughout the night. The organization plans to observe and document the alignment using telescopes and specialized cameras. These efforts aim to capture the interaction between the moon and the Pleiades as the bodies reach their closest point of separation. The Jordanian Astronomical Society plans to observe and document the alignment using telescopes and specialized cameras to ensure a detailed record of the event is maintained for further study.