And for its next trick, the moon will make a bright star disappear: How best to view tonight's lunar occultation

Look up at the sky on Monday, Feb. 2, and you may notice a certain bright star is hidden from view.

This special celestial event — a lunar occultation — occurs when the moon passes in front of the star Regulus. Also known as Alpha Leonis, Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo, which appears in the northern hemisphere in February and dominates the center of the spring sky. Regulus is the point in the constellation that represents the heart of the lion.

A lunar occultation is not as grand as, say, a lunar eclipse (when Earth’s shadow falls on the moon) or a solar eclipse (when the moon passes in front of the sun). But you don’t need special equipment such as binoculars or special glasses to view lunar occultations, making them accessible to novice astronomy enthusiasts.

What is a lunar occultation?

A lunar occultation happens when the moon passes directly in front of a star or another celestial body, blocking it from view. During this event, the object appears to disappear behind the moon for a short time and then reappear as the moon continues to move.

Where can I see this celestial event?

The star’s actual disappearance and reappearance will be visible only in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, as well as select parts of northwestern Africa and southwestern Europe.

When can I see the lunar occultation?

While timing may vary depending on your location, Regulus is expected to slip behind the moon sometime between 8:40 p.m. and 10:05 p.m. ET.

In New York City, Regulus will disappear behind the moon at 8:51 p.m. ET and reappear at 9:54 p.m. ET. In Washington, D.C., it will disappear at 8:51 p.m. ET and reappear at 9:48 p.m. ET. In Chicago, it will disappear at 8:43 p.m. ET and reappear at 9:42 p.m. ET. In Denver, it will disappear at 8:40 p.m. ET and reappear at 9:34 p.m. ET.

What’s the best way to view it?

You don’t need any special equipment, but if you want a close-up, use a telescope or binoculars. For the best viewing experience, go somewhere with low levels of light pollution and look toward the eastern sky.