“Observing Asteroid Occultations from a Remote Observatory” by Michael O’Connell

Brief Synopsis:

Occultations are essentially mini-eclipses where a planetary body (such as the Moon, planet or asteroid), blocks the light of a star or other stellar target from reaching the Earth. The dip in the light curve due to this shadow effect can be analysed to tell us something about the planetary body or the stellar target itself. Michael’s talk aims to present some of the basics of observing occultations and the results derived therefrom. Michael will also explain how he is using his equipment in a remote observatory in Spain to pursue these observations.

Bio:

Michael is an amateur astronomer residing in Co. Kildare. Michael is a former chairperson of the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies (IFAS) and Midlands Astronomy Club (MAC).

Aside from observing occultation events, Michael is also an active solar observer, member of the BAA, and operates 3 meteor cameras from his home as part of the Global Meteor Network (GMN).

Michael has previously presented to the IAA on the topics of ‘The Antikythera Mechanism’ and ‘Amateur Observations of Meteors’.

Venue: Larmor Lecture Theatre, Astrophysics Research Centre, Physics Building, QUB.

Admission free, including light refreshments, All welcome.