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Titania occults 7.2 ^mag star HIP 106829

On the 8^th of September 2001, around 2h UT, the large satellite of Uranus TITANIA will occult a 7m2 star HIP 106829. The event can possibly be seen from Colombia, Ecuador, Venzuela, the Azores and (?) Canarian Islands, Portugal, Spain and large parts of western Europe. An update of the last astrometry (as of July 12^th) can be seen in the following view. It has been generated by Bruno Sicardy from measurements obtained by Bill Owen at the Table Mountain Observatory for Uranus and Titania on May 17^th, June 20^th and June 21^st.

As you can see, Quito is now near the central line and the Canarian Islands are now within the shadow of Titania. The astrometry hasn't changed much in the last few months, as you can compared it with Dave Herolds Map generated a few months ago.

Here you can find more information about the event:

Altitudes of Uranus for different places at the time of occultation

A finding chart for Uranus has been prepared for you with a field width of 10 deg and stars up to 10^th mag from the USNA SA2.0 catalog.

Here you can find more detailed information about detecting a possible atmosphere

TITANIA is only 13m9 in magnitude, therefore the occultation will be very favorable! In the IR the star is even brighter, further improving the contrast. The event will be relatively low in the sky for Europe, but brilliant to observe in the other regions. IOTA-ES is calling for observation of this event, because

It could be possible to discover an atmosphere on Titania...

The exact astrometry of Titania, its link to the Hipparcos-System would be important...

It is one of the most brightest occultations by a satellite in the last years.

The event was discovered by Claudio Martinez in Argentina.

More informations about the importance of the event, the observability of an atmosphere and the world-wide campaign can be found

As soon as more details are known, they will be put on this page. Please check frequently for more news. W. Beisker from IOTA-ES will be responsible for coordinating the IOTA-ES efforts. Please let us know, if you are interested in observing this spectacular event!
IOTA-ES will try to help you as much as possible!

The Iota Occultation Camera IOC will be used to record this event. All owners of this system should feel obligated to collaborate in the effort!!

© 2001 by Wolfgang Beisker, EMAIL: Beisker@gsf.de

Last modified: Monday, July 30^th, 2001