asteroid to occult bright star - observation reports required

albertw

Hi,

Tolis Christo at Armagh Observatory is coordinating observations of the occultation of a 6th magnitude star by the asteroid Irmintraud. The occultation occurs at aproximately 02:20 21st July.

This event may be visible across the whole of the country, though you will need at least a pair of mounted binoculars to record a meaningful observation. I say may be visible as the orbit of the asteroid is not precisely known; your observations will help further determine its orbit.

Full details are in mails from Terry Mosely available at http://www.irishastronomy.org/boards/viewtopic.php?t=510

Basically you need to observe the star for about 30 minutes, and record precisely the instant the star `dissapears` as the asteroid passes in from of it and record the time the star appears again. Anyone with the equipment to do so should attempt to get a video of the event which would allow a light curve to be plotted which would help indicate the shape of the asteroid. Reports should be sent to Terry and Tolis.

Cheers,
~Al

albertw

did anyone manage to see this?

Seanie M

doesn't look like it Al... flippin' clouds...

:mad: