How to see Mars disappear behind the moon on 8 December

Magnificent event can be seen with the naked eye - although an alarm clock may be required

There is a magnificent sight to behold this week - but you will need to set your alarm clock. In the early hours of Thursday, Mars will disappear completely behind the full moon, an event known as an occultation.

The chart shows the view looking west from London at 4.30am GMT. Throughout the preceding evening, on Wednesday, the moon will inch its way closer to Mars in the night sky. At about 4.58am GMT on Thursday, Mars will disappear behind the moon's western hemisphere. It will reappear about an hour later from behind the eastern limb.