It is now 10:50 PM EST and I just took out the garbage. I noticed the moon was right next to Jupiter, in fact, for observers in the southern hemisphere, the moon actually passed in front of (occulted) the planet. If you read this sometime within the next few hours, rush out and and look for yourself. I missed the point of closest approach, about 0.6 degrees, or roughly one moon diameter.

The moon travels about its own width in an hour, due to its orbit around the earth, so with the bright reference point of Jupiter nearby this motion will become apparent if you watch it for several hours.

For those of you West of me, you’ll be able to do it at a more reasonable hour. I’m about ready to go to bed here in Romeo (+5) Time.