Call for Observation

(90) Antiope occults 10.8 mag star on 2019 January 04 in Europe

In the late evening of January 4th, the double minor planet (90) Antiope will occult TYC 1868-00281-1 (10.8 Vmag) for an expected duration of 8.4 sec. In Europe the centre line will cross Romania (~23:17 U.T.), Hungary, Austria and Germany (~23:18 U.T.) and France (~23:19 U.T.). In the case of an occultation by minor planet the combined magnitude will drop about 2.6 mag. The target area is located about 64deg above the horizon in the southwestern sky (for position at centre line at E 12deg).

Path maps for Europe

Centre line: Romania, Hungary, Austria


Centre line: Austria, Germany, France

About the maps:
The path was predicted by Steve Preston, IOTA, at 2018 Nov 24. The green line is the centre line, the blue lines indicate the path limits, and the red lines the 1-si9gma-limit. The occultation will occur between the two red lines with a probability of 68 %. (Map data: (c) 2018 GeoBasis-DE/BKG ((c) 2009), Google)

ISAM shape model for the time of occultation

The ISAM shape model for (90) Antiope for the expected time of occultation indicates that there will be no gap between the two components of (90) Antiope. But the path could be wider that predicted.

Shape model

Source: Interactive service for asteroid models (ISAM) at http://isam.astro.amu.edu.pl

This ISAM shape model shows the predicted position of the two components to each other on 23:19 U.T., 2019 Jan 04. The rotation axis of the double system is plotted in white. The components are plotted as they appear as shadows on the surface of Earth (Earth plane). For a view on the sky plane you have to flip the image on the vertical axis.

Useful links & files
Latest prediction by Steve Preston, IOTA, with path coordinates.

KMZ-file for Google Earth from Derek C. Breit, IOTA

Report form (English)

Beobachtungsmeldung (Deutsch)

Anleitung Beobachtungsmeldung (pdf, Deutsch)

Observers outside the path should be aware that paths shifts are common at occultations. Please observe even outside the 1-sigma-limit. Be prepared for an occultation!

Please send your observation reports to: pr@iota-es.de


Oliver Klös
IOTA/ES, Public Relations