What is an astronomical occultation?

Astronomical occultivation occurs when the eclipse of one heavenly body or blocking light, another heavenly body from the point of view of Earth. Moons, planets, stars, small satellites and asteroids can interact to create astronomical occultization with regard to the position on the Earth's surface. Many databases and organizations monitor the orbits of our Moon and various asteroids that predict visible occultations in the coming months. Amateur astronomers can observe these events to determine information, such as the accuracy of the body orbit or topography of the moon.

occult means "hide". This is what happens, for example, when the moon covers a bright star for a short time. This astronomical occultization would be visible to some places of the country. The International Association of Timing of Occultization maintains records and publishes schedules of various types of astronomical occultization for the world. They follow the position of Earth and Orientave the solar system with respect to the Moon, orbiting asteroids and distant stars. In the yearIn 1977, the astronomical occultivation was the first method we used to see uranium rings.

In popular astronomy astronomical occultation provides events that can be analyzed by fans. In fact, they can produce new information without huge telescopes or sophisticated computers. All astronomer needs in the yard are the global positioning system, 4-6 "(10-15 cm) and video recording devices. They can use these simple tools to find smaller satellites orbiting asteroids, finding partners in binary star systems, determining the diameter and shape of larger askeroids and improving scientific records.

amateur astronomers can even map topography, mountain zones and deep valleys near the polar regions of the Moon. This is possible by oculti, the star passes only along the edge of the moon, rather than a direct occultation, where the star completely disappears behind the moon's body. RunThe grazing of astronomical occultization will be hidden by the high lunar mountains, then visible in the hollow valley and then re -covered the higher ground. Using mathematical calculations, you can determine an increase in these mountains and the depth of the valley with results that are impossible to close even with the strongest telescopes.