Uranus occults SAO 158687.
Abstract
Experience gained in obtaining atmospheric parameters, oblatenesses, and diameters of Jupiter and Mars from recent stellar occultations by these planets is used to predict what can be learned from the March 1977 occultation of the star SAO158687 by Uranus. The spectra of this star and Uranus are compared to indicate the relative instrument intensities of the two objects, the four passbands where the relative intensities are most nearly equal are listed, and expected photon fluxes from the star are computed on the assumption that it has UBVRI colors appropriate for a K5 main-sequence object. It is shown that low photon noise errors can be achieved by choosing appropriate passbands for observation, and the rms error expected for the Uranus temperature profiles obtained from the occultation light curves is calculated. It is suggested that observers of this occultation should record their data digitally for optimum time resolution.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- February 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1038/265609a0
- Bibcode:
- 1977Natur.265..609E
- Keywords:
-
- Astrometry;
- Light Curve;
- Planetology;
- Stellar Occultation;
- Uranus (Planet);
- Planetary Atmospheres;
- Ubv Spectra;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration;
- ASTROMETRY;
- LIGHT CURVE;
- PLANETOLOGY;
- STELLAR OCCULTATION;
- URANUS (PLANET);
- PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES;
- UBV SPECTRA