Visual Occultation’s
July 20th 2011 02:25
Category: Stars
Jupiter Moon Occulation: Image curtsey of beckycoretti.com
Occultation’s can be a very rewarding pursuit. Occultations taken for the Latin meaning to hide or to obscure. Occultations are used in astronomy for scientific purposes to study the motion of the Moon. Occultations used as a timing device to give a more precise fix.
Occultations are no longer used in mainstream astronomy this practice has been superseded by other techniques but it is still used by amateur astronomers. The practice of using the technique of occultations is better suited to our nearest neighbour the Moon.
Venus Moon Occulation
A star or planet makes its way crossing the limb of the Moon the object slowly disappears behind the Moon and sometime later reappears, explains what an occultation is.
It is interesting to watch a planet disappear behind the Moon’s outer limb, brighter stars are also used.
As the object approaches the Moon the star or planet may dim and then brighten suddenly several times as it passes the lunar mountains and valleys. This is especially evident when seen through a pair of binoculars or telescope. The star or planet’s light is dispersed as it passes behind the Moon’s Lunar mountains. It can used to map the Moon’s profile much more accurately.
Occulations have been used for the last 3000 years. Aristotle wrote of the Moon covering Mars on April 4, 357 B.C. He offered his observations as proof that Mars was farther away than the Moon.
If the Moon had an atmosphere, stars would gradually fades as the Moon’s edge approached them, just like the setting Sun slowly fades before it reaches Earth’s horizon.
Still if you get the chance to see one you won’t be disappointed. Occulations that can be easily seen with the naked eye are usually available on the internet.
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