How to see Mars disappear behind the moon on 8 December

You will need to set your alarm clock to wake you up. Mars will be completely behind the moon in the early hours of Thursday.

There is a view from London at 4.30am. The moon will be close to Mars in the night sky. Mars will disappear behind the moon in the early hours of Thursday. It will come back from behind the eastern limb.

Depending on where you are in the UK, the timing could be different. The occultation is visible in many places. The tip of north Africa is a good place to see it.

Local times can vary by a number of hours in different countries. The event is visible with the naked eye and Mars will be at its best on 1 December. It will reflect the most light it can when it is opposite the sun.