Early Morning, Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Given clear skies, all of the United States (with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii) will be in a position to watch this lunar occultation of Mars. But whether this occultation takes place before dawn, at dawn or in a daytime sky, depends on where you live within the United States. Even in the predawn sky, your view of the occultation could be less than ideal because of light pollution. In that case, use binoculars!
(As seen from: Tampa
Mars Occultation Starts: 7:09:45 A.M. (12:09 UT) / Moon 34 degrees above the horizon
Mars Occultation Ends: 8:53:00 A.M. (13:53 UT) / Moon 38 degrees above the horizon
Lunar phase: waning crescent- 29%
Moon rise: 3:25 A.M.
Sun rise: 7:05 A.M.
Credit: IOTA, Sky & Telescope & Bruce McClure (Astronomy Essentials)