occultation

noun

oc·cul·ta·tion ˌä-(ˌ)kəl-ˈtā-shən

: the state of being hidden from view or lost to notice

: the interruption of the light from a celestial body or of the signals from a spacecraft by the intervention of a celestial body

especially : an eclipse of a star or planet by the moon

Examples of occultation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

After that, a lunar occultation of Saturn won’t be visible from Earth until 2031. —

Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025 The highlight of this full moon is the occultation of Mars, an event in which the moon will align perfectly with the red planet and temporarily obscure it from view. —

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 The phenomenon is known as an occultation, which happens when one celestial object passes in front of another, according to NASA. —

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025 Along with the full moon, sky-watchers can enjoy a spectacular Mars occultation by the Wolf Moon this week and, a few nights later on Saturday, Jan. 18, a dazzling conjunction of Venus and Saturn. —

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for occultation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English occultacion, borrowed from Latin occultātiōn-, occultātiō "concealment, interruption of light from a celestial body," from occultāre "to prevent from being seen, conceal, keep secret" + -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at occult entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of occultation was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century