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Dictionary Entry

occultation

noun

Find the meaning of the word occultation, plus dictionary definition, pronunciation, thesaurus-style synonyms, antonyms, and related vocabulary.

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Meaning

Dictionary meaning in a clear, student-friendly format.

The event when one celestial body passes in front of another, blocking it from view, often used for the Moon obscuring a star or planet.

Example Sentence

The rare occultation of Mars by the Moon was a spectacular event for stargazers.

Usage Note

Use "occultation" when describing an astronomical event where one celestial object blocks the view of another, such as when the Moon passes in front of a star or planet. It's a specific term for this type of celestial alignment, distinct from a solar or lunar eclipse which involves shadows.