The Occultation of a W=13.3 Star by Asteroid (52528) 1996 PM9

June 2, 2025 Mon eve at 10:53:35pm

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This event will be challenging mostly because it is so short; Only 0.3s. For a 13.3 star, that will mean very few points inside the occultation. The rank looks good, and one of my favorite spots is on Canham Rd just north of Scotts Valley, where I plan to set up for it, if the fog hasn't ruined it. The path goes nicely through Scotts Valley on the north side, also Aptos. Misses Karl and Kirk's homes, and mine too. Getting it from Empire Grade will be a long drive to Locatelli Meadow. Weather forecast is for just patchy fog after midnight, so I'll stay optimistic I can do the short drive to Scotts Valley

Alt=29, Az=149 in Scorpius just 2 degrees left of the top of the Head of Scorpius

     

 

Results

Richard Nolthenius

I drove to Scotts Valley on Canham Rd parking lot, meeting up with Will Glass who wanted to try to photograph the G3 class aurora. Skies were half cloudy on arrival, but cleared until they were almost completely clear - except for a thin bank of cirrus cloud that covered the Head of Scorpius - right where our target star was. I got nothing, and didn't even start the recording. Got some nice shots of the evening though, with Will.

Kirk was nearby as it turned out, farther up Glenview. He too was clouded out. We both get "purple hearts" for casualties in battle.