Pleiades and waning Moon to appear in close conjunction

On the evening of September 30, a close conjunction between a waning Moon and the Pleiades star cluster will be visible in the Taurus constellation. The Moon, which will be approximately 80 percent illuminated, is expected to rise in the eastern sky at 8:00 PM, with the star cluster positioned immediately to its right.

Observers are advised to look toward the eastern horizon around 9:00 PM, where the pairing is best viewed through binoculars. As the night progresses, the two celestial bodies will move higher and further apart. By midnight, the Pleiades may be visible to the naked eye under clear skies when the pair reaches an altitude of nearly 40 degrees.

Astronomers note that those using telescopes may witness rare occultations as members of the cluster pass behind the dark side of the Moon. While similar conjunctions occur in October and December, experts suggest this September event is particularly favorable due to the Moon's phase. The Svábhegyi Observatory is organizing a telescope demonstration on September 30, featuring views of Saturn, the M15 globular cluster, and lunar craters.