Observers in Tasmania, Southern mainland Australia and New Zealand,
might be interested in attempting to observe an occultation of the 15th
Mag star designated as UCAC 2603 9859 by Pluto on June 12th 2006, 16h 25min UTC.
As the near full Moon will only be 15 degrees away from Pluto,
this observation will be challenging and you should take precautions
to prevent scattered light entering the OTA.
This occultation is of great interest scientifically. Astronomers hope that
observations of Pluto will help determine more about its atmosphere and
winds. It is also hoped that more can be determined about the recently discovered
satellite of Pluto, designated as P2. This object is believed to be only 100km
in diameter but it is hoped that a better determination of its size can
be made along with determining if Pluto has a ring system.
This is a rare opportunity for suitably equipped amateur astronomers
to make observations that can be of scientific benefit.
Professional astronomers will be making observations, including teams
from the United States and Germany who will be working from the
University of Tasmania.
More information about this event can be found here -
http://www.iota-es.de/pluto384.html
Best Regards
Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au