Tuesday, March 10, 2009
occultations
Recently, I've become interested in observing asteroid occultations. They sound
challenging and exciting. Extreme (amateur) astronomy. I like the idea that occultationists
can contribute.
With this branch of observing, of course, I will need a new life list. See
below. Events in chronological order, top-down.
I've also noted solar eclipses here, as they are technically, occultations
of a star...
- 940510, annular solar eclipse
- Viewed from street, downtown Toronto, without equipment.
- 001225, partial solar eclipse
- Viewed with welders glass from Union. Mom watched with her mylar sunglasses.
Also viewed with pinhole camera. Noted 2 small spots.
- 081031.0121, mock asteroid, GSC 00600 00670, partial
- Mockultation of GSC 00600 00670 planned by Guy Nason to train rookie occultationists.
Long Sault Conservation Area. My result was "mixed." I was away from
the eyepiece at D but "saw" the R. Guy
reported on our evening.
- 090217.0256, 6249 Jennifer, TYC 5936-00858-1, no data
- A low probability event. Guy had told me to stay home to observe it. Tried
from backyard on Evelyn Crescent. But could not find target star in Lepus. Due
in part to improper preparation of finding charts and interference from neighbour
lights. Eric reported a miss from Long Sault. Guy had equipment trouble.
- 090302.0413, 51222 2000 JE24, GSC 02423-01036, miss
- Viewed from backyard on Evelyn Crescent. Better support from neighbours in
terms of lighting. All equipment worked properly. My result: a miss. On-line
miss results have been updated. Hey! I didn't know Andy was trying too!
- 090307.0255, 95 Arethusa, TYC 5495-00573-1, no data
- Viewed from backyard at Mom's in Union. Found star but eyepiece dewed up moments
before occultation! Dew heater not working. Could not clearly see target star.
Other equipment worked fine. Meanwhile Guy and others got good
data!
All times are UTC.
|
|
links
|
