What is a lunar occultation of Venus?
A lunar occultation of Venus occurs when the Moon passes directly in front of the planet, temporarily obscuring it from view. On September 14, 2026, observers near Cessy, France, captured this rare event during daylight hours. Because of the precise geometry required, such alignments are visible from only about 10 percent of the Earth's surface at any given time.
Why did Venus appear brighter than the Moon?
During the event, Venus appeared brighter than the Moon because of its proximity to the Sun and its highly reflective cloud cover. While the Moon showed a thin crescent with 10 percent illumination, Venus displayed a 25 percent illuminated crescent. The planet's reflective atmosphere contrasts sharply with the dark, rocky surface of the Moon, making it stand out clearly against the bright daytime sky.
