The Near-Graze of Nu Virginis
And Lunar Motion
The Moon (its nighttime side illuminated with Earthlight) just
barely misses a grazing occultation of Nu
Virginis on July 14, 2002, the star seen just to the
left of the upper horn of the bright crescent. The pictures, taken
5 minutes apart, clearly show the easterly lunar motion. The
irregular outline of the bright crescent (the sunrise line on the
Moon) is caused by high areas catching the first rays of sunlight
contrasted with low basins still in shadow.
Copyright © 2002 James B. Kaler.
