Conjunction of the Moon and Aldebaran: A Celestial Dance of Myth and Astronomy

Tonight, the skies over Bhuj–Kachchh will showcase a fascinating celestial event — the conjunction of the Moon and Aldebaran. Known in Indian astronomy and mythology as the star Rohini, Aldebaran is one of the most famous stars of the constellation Taurus.

This pairing of the bright Moon and Aldebaran has inspired both ancient legends and modern science.

🌌 The Myth of Rohini and the Moon

According to Indian mythology, the Moon (Chandra) had 27 wives, representing the 27 Nakshatras (lunar mansions). Among them, he favored Rohini (Aldebaran) the most. Angered by this partiality, Prajapati Daksha cursed the Moon, causing him to wane.

In reality, this story is a poetic allegory describing the astronomical event of occultation — when the Moon passes in front of Rohini (Aldebaran), temporarily hiding it from view.

🔭 The Astronomical Reality: Occultation

Tonight’s event is a conjunction, and during this occultation:

• Aldebaran will disappear behind the bright lunar disk between 8:25 PM and 9:30 PM (IST) as seen from Bhuj, Kachchh.
• There may be a slight variation in timing for observers at other locations.
• To witness this clearly, binoculars or telescopes are highly recommended, since the Moon’s brightness may make Aldebaran difficult to spot with the naked eye.

Tip for Observers:

• 👉 Watch Aldebaran disappear behind the Moon around 8:20 PM.
• 👉 Reappearances can be observed after 9:20 PM when the star emerges from behind the Moon’s edge.

🧭 How to Observe Effectively

• Use binoculars or a telescope for a clear view.
• Try timing how long it takes the Moon to move its own apparent diameter (about half a degree) across the sky.
• Note your observations — occultations are excellent opportunities to understand lunar motion and stellar positions.

🌠 A Blend of Culture and Cosmos

What makes tonight’s event special is how astronomy and mythology intertwine. While science explains it as a natural alignment of celestial bodies, ancient Indian culture saw it as a celestial love story of Chandra and Rohini.

Events like these remind us that astronomy is not just about numbers and measurements, but also about stories, traditions, and human imagination.

📢 Share Your Experience

The Kutch Astronomy Club, Bhuj, invites enthusiasts to observe and share their experiences.

• Nishant Gor (+91 98795 54770)
• Narendra Gor (+91 94282 20472)

Follow us on Facebook: Kutch Astronomy Club for updates on upcoming celestial events.