special event tonight [Tuesday Nov 3]

nytecam · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 09:57 AM

Hi - this msg posted on astro fora ...

RARE ASTEROID OCCULTATION OF NAKED EYE STAR TUESDAY EVENING

At around 2032 UT on Tuesday evening, November 03, the small (6km)
main belt asteroid (31867) 2000 EG94 is predicted to occult the naked
eye star alpha Aquarii (HIP 109074, magnitude 3.0). The event *may*
be seen from somewhere in southern England. From central southern
England, the star will be at an elevation of 36 deg, in azimuth 203 deg
(SSW).

The maximum duration will be only 0.4 seconds, but the star will
disappear completely, although with the relative angular sizes of
the star and asteroid, diffraction effects may make the event gradual.

This astrometric update, made early today, shows the narrow shadow
track crossing central Republic of Ireland, central Wales (from near
Aberystwyth), parts of Herefordshire, Worcs, Gloucs, Oxon, Bucks,
Herts, Greater London, and north Kent. However, the uncertainty in
the track position is rather large and the track may shift to
anywhere south of a line from NI, IoM, Lancs to Lincs; (two standard
deviations).

More detailed information, with links to a track map and star charts
can be found here:-

(31867) 2000 EG94 / HIP 109074 event on 2009 Nov 03, 20:30 UT

Another useful map of the UK showing the track and the area of
uncertainty is on the following page (with other occultations):-

IOTA-ES … Call for Observation

At the time of writing, the usual source of Google maps showing the
track has not been updated to show this event, but it may be before
the event:-

Global Asteroid Events

Obviously this star will be visible to the naked eye, but for more
reliable observation, binoculars or a telescope are preferable.
Systems with the capability of video recording and timing the event
would be just perfect!

Good luck and clear skies!

Andrew Elliott
Assistant Director (Occultations), BAA Asteroids and Remote Planets Section
2009 November 02