International Occultation Timing Association
European Section
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International Occultation Timing Association European Section |
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Occultations by |
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Moon |
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Asteroid |
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Planet |
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Pluto, TNOs |
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Astrometry |
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Sol.Eclipse |
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Contact us :
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Dear observer!
Pluto occults a 11mag star 2UCAC 24920649 visible from many parts of central Europe on the 14th of February 2010 around 4h 50min UTC. This is in may parts of Europe near sunrise. Pluto is not too far above the horizon, but I believe, that this event is the most prominent and best for Europe in the next decade or more.
The occultation will not only allow to determine very precisely the offset of Pluto's orbit versus the DE413 (or DE421) orbit, but will also allow a more precise determination of the parameters of Pluto's thin atmosphere. In any case, its an occultation ,where even small telescopes (perhaps only 6 inch diameter) equipped with a sensitve camera (perhaps even a webcam) can determine the existence of its atmosphere.
IOTA-ES issues a “Call for Observation” of this event and will make this one of the most remarkable events to observe for the next year. Updates of the occultation track will be presented here on the webpage as well as discussions and informations about “How to do it” !
Have a look! Sites will be updated, if new informations are getting in! Perhaps I will open a special Blog on this event, as has been done for Varuna last year.
Bruno Sicardy has opened a special website for this event, which can be found below. It holds many important informations about the scientific objectives, observing, astrometry, charts and more. It is updated regularly, keep in mind, that you can join a very important campaign concerning Pluto's atmosphere!
With best regards from Munich
Wolfgang
Dr. Wolfgang Beisker
International Occultation Timing Association / European Section
Research and Development
Back to IOTA-ES home page.
