Stellar Occultations by Bodies in the Outer Solar System

Stellar occultations are one of the most accurate, ground-based methods by which to assess physical characteristics of bodies in the outer Solar System. For example, in the trans-Neptunian region, occultation data have been used to determine object sizes and shapes at km-level accuracy, detect or place limits on microbar-level atmospheres, and discover and study rings down to km-level widths. Particularly compelling targets over the next few years include Pluto (which its thin, evolving, global atmosphere) and the trans-Neptunian objects and Centaurs for which rings have been proposed (Chariklo, Chiron, Haumea, and Quaoar). We will present recent results from stellar occultations by bodies in the outer Solar System, and we will consider the implications of large discovery surveys on future occultation efforts as well as how the technique can be used to increase their science return.