asteroid occults star

[nytecam]

On Friday night I witnessed a rare event of minor planet [MP80] Sappho, wayout in the asteroid belt, occult a faint star in Libra. This seemingly trivial persuit is a powerful technique whereby amateur astronomers, because of their wide distribution, can use the timing of such events to deduce the precise shape and size of the asteroid.

In effect an infinitesimally faint shadow of the asteroid, cast by the star, passes across the landscape but aiming a scope skywards at the star it appears to wink-out for a few seconds as the asteroid passes in front of the star

By propping a camera before the laptop screen downloading pics from the cam on my scope the event can be replayed - YouTube - Asteroid Sappho occults star in Libra

Here's a pic sequence as the asteroid closes on the star over an hour. Hope it's of interest

[artdemole]

That is far out! Great shots like that don't happen often.

[Bruce Williams]

Interesting post as always nytecam .

Bruce

[Spectrum]

Cool! It's a bit beyond by basic knowledge but wow!!

[mrbright]

As always, informative and awe inspiring. The photos really hammering home the true effect.