In the early morning of January 8, Citizen Scientists across North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) will have the chance to participate in an occultation campaign to detect a trans-Neptunian object!
The TNO known as 2005 XU100 will pass in front of a distant star from our view here on Earth, in an event known as an occultation. Starting at 1:47 AM CST (2:47 AM EST, 11:47 PM January 7 PST), it will be visible across North America. Its orbit is not well defined, so the hypothetical path covers almost all of the North American continent, mostly the US. The more participants that observe it, the more likely we will be able to detect it, and refine its size and orbit. Although this is a very challenging observation, it is extremely rewarding in terms of science.
More details on this occultation including location, timing, and more can be found using the drop down menu below.
Orbit of 2005 XU100, Credit: JPL
Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) are located in the outer region of our Solar System, beyond the planet Neptune. Pluto is the largest known TNO, followed by Eris, Haumea, and Makemake. They are so far away that their orbit and size are not well known.
Predictions listed here are selected by our scientific team based on the number of Unistellar eVscopes available in the area and the scientific interest of the asteroids. We generate our own prediction using the Occult sofware, as well as using predictions made by IOTA (Steve Preston), IBEROC (Carlos Perelló), Lucky Stars of the Observatoire de Paris (Josselin Desmars) and the Lucy team (Marc Buie).
Choose your continent to find out if an occultation will happen near your location!
If you did an occultation please fill this form in order for Unistellar's team to process your data.
