Articles tagged with Occultations
New study by University of Southampton confirms the universe's expansion is still accelerating as previously found, debunking 2025 claims that the cosmos was slowing. The team re-evaluated data using Type Ia supernovae to calculate vast cosmic distances and found no error in their methods.
A team of astronomers found a thin atmosphere around a small trans-Neptunian object (TNO), which is not expected to retain atmospheres due to its cold temperature and weak surface gravity. The atmosphere is thought to be less than 1000 years old, suggesting recent formation or replenishment.
A recent study revealed that the solar superstorm caused a dramatic increase in electrons in two distinct layers of Mars' atmosphere at altitudes of around 110 and 130 km. The storm also triggered computer errors for both orbiters, but they recovered quickly due to their radiation-resistant components.
Astronomers discovered a greedy white dwarf star consuming its closest celestial companion at an unprecedented rate. The study found that the super-dense white dwarf is burning brightly due to the mass transfer between the two stars, potentially leading to a massive explosion visible from Earth.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a unique binary star system where a small companion star is surrounded by a large disk of dusty material. The companion star caused a seven-year-long eclipse of the main star, Gaia17bpp, which is one of the longest recorded eclipses.
Researchers compiled 41 solar occultation observations of Saturn's rings from the Cassini mission to inform future investigations into their formation and evolution. The study reveals new information on ring particles' sizes and compositions, shedding light on the origins of the ring system.
Researchers in Japan analyzed Byzantine Empire texts to identify five total solar eclipses near Eastern Mediterranean. This study improves understanding of the Earth's rotation and sheds light on variations in day length over time. The new data refine models of global phenomena, such as sea-level and ice-volume variability.
Researchers at George Mason University are using EUVM solar occultations to simulate Mars upper atmospheric processes. The project aims to identify the fundamental causes of observed variability driven by tides and gravity waves.
Astronomers used asteroid occultations to measure the smallest apparent size of a star on the night sky, revealing the diameter of a giant star and a sun-like star. The new method provides ten times better resolution than standard lunar occultation methods.
Researchers discovered the diameter of a giant red giant star 2,674 light-years away and a sun-like star at 700 light-years, setting a record for the smallest star measured. The team used asteroid occultations to calculate the stars' sizes with high accuracy.
Asteroid Patroclus-Menoetius has been found to have a non-spherical shape, with axial ratios indicating a mostly oblate shape. The team's analysis also revealed the asteroid pair's spins were faster when they formed, currently in a doubly synchronous state.
A recent study using the TRAPPIST telescope has accurately measured the shape and size of dwarf planet Eris, confirming its status as Pluto's twin. The findings show that Eris is approximately 2326 kilometers in diameter, with an accuracy of 12 kilometers.