occultation

noun

oc·​cul·​ta·​tion ˌä-(ˌ)kəl-ˈtā-shən 

1

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

2

: 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

Since the occultation occurs after midnight UT, the calendar date is Jan. 10. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2025

In a phenomenon called the occultation of Mars, the moon will pass directly in front of the red planet, temporarily hiding it from view for observers across large swaths of the Earth. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

The most recent lunar occultation of Mars that was visible from the United States occurred on December 7, 2022. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 14 Jan. 2025

Because the moon is so close to Earth relative to Mars, only certain parts of the world will be able to witness tonight's occultation. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 9 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for occultation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation