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2 December 2008 16:44
- when one celestial object completely hides another celestial object from the point of view of an observer
- from the Latin occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret), which
doesn't help matters when amateur astronomers have to explain
(repeatedly) that our hobby is not astrology
- contrast with transit, where a celestial object moves in front of another object, yet both remain visible
- related to an eclipse, where a celestial object moves into the shadow of another celestial object - pedants will point out that a solar eclipse is actually an occultation of the sun by the moon, and a partial eclipse of the earth by the moon's shadow
- the size and shape of asteroids can be determined by accurately timing the occultation of a given star from many vantage points
- timing lunar-grazing occultations can help refine information about the topography of the moon (among other things) - stars will appear to wink on and off as lunar features pass in front of them
- the International Occultation Timing Association (www.occultations.org or www.lunar-occultations.com/iota/iotandx.htm) provides information about and conducts research related to occultations; they encourage participation from amateur astronomers
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Orion Telescopes
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