Detecting Asteroid Occultations

At our November meeting, our speaker Mr William Steward introduced us to the idea of observing the occultations of stars by asteroids.

This is a process that can be used to provide data about asteroids for two significant purposes.

Firstly, if the time the occultation takes place can be accurately measured - often by using a video camera with timing data provided by GPS, it allows the elements of the orbit to be precisely determined.

Secondly, the duration of the occultation gives a measure of the diameter of the asteroid itself - and if this is combined with durations take by other observers along the line of the occultation, we can find more about the shape of the asteroid in 3D.

William has kindly sent us details of software and sites that can help with getting started in making observations - naturally, most occultations are of stars that are beyond naked eye visibility, so this is something done with sensitive cameras and maybe largeish aperture telescopes.

Look at the Introduction link at the left hand side

https://britastro.org/section_information_/asteroid-section-overview/tools-and-techniques/occultations

Prediction Software

Occult Software http://lunar-occultations.com/iota/occult4.htm

OccultWatcher Software https://www.occultwatcher.net/

OccultWatcher Cloud https://cloud.occultwatcher.net/

Groups

International Occultation Timing Association https://groups.io/g/IOTAoccultations

UK Occultations Discussion Group https://ukoccultations.groups.io/g/main

OLED Project https://sites.google.com/aam.org.es/oled/inicio/objetivo

Tim Haymes (BAA Occultation Director) https://stargazer.me.uk/

Journal https://www.iota-es.de/joafree.html

If anyone is genuinely interested and has any questions / want advice, you can get in touch with us at midcheshireastro@outlook.com and we'll pass on William's email address.