Amateur Astronomy

Occultation Observations

Ground-based stellar occultation observations are one of the most valuable data sets available to ring dynamicists. In our lab group, we attempt to observe asteroid and KBO/TNO stellar occultations in the hopes of discovering new rings around small bodies, like Chariklo and Haumea. These observations can also contribute to measuring the physical dimensions of small bodies and in some cases (Triton, Titan, and Pluto) their atmospheres.

Links to future occultation predictions and observing campaigns:

International Occultation Timing Association

Steve Preston's Asteroid Occultation Predictions

RECON - Research and Education Collaborative Occultation Network

Lucky Star - Predictions of stellar occultations by TNOs and Centaurs