[DaveGee (Dave Gault)]

Observers,

There will be an asteroid occultation observable from the South Pacific Star Party, next week end.

The target star is bright(ish) at mag. 9.8 which is comfortable for these types of events. The event will occur at 2:59am (daylight savings time) Sunday morning. The ranking for the event is 84.

I'd like to encourage as many observers on the field to observe this event. The asteroid will be at mag.13.2 so it should be possible to see the asteroid appulse the star (scopes >10") up to 10 minutes before the event time when the two will appear to merge. If the event occurs, the star will disappear leaving the asteroid in view for a maximum of 4.6 seconds.

I have prepared some finder charts(see below)

If anyone attending the SPSP and wishes to observe this event and doesn't have access to UT timebase, please contact me.

thanks...