ASTEROID OCCULTATIONS

Stellar occultations occur when an asteroid passes in front of a star and blocks its light for a few seconds. This phenomenon provides key information about the shape, size and position of the asteroid with a higher precision than many direct telescopic observations. Furthermore, in some cases, it is possible to detect moons or rings around these smaller bodies, which expands our knowledge of the dynamics of the Solar System.

To record these occultations, telescopes equipped with high-speed cameras are used to capture the exact moment when the star disappears and reappears. By comparing records from different geographical locations, the profile of the asteroid can be reconstructed in great detail. We contribute our data to the SODIS Project, an initiative that coordinates observations of occultations worldwide, improving the accuracy of the orbits and physical characteristics of these objects. With each recorded event, we contribute to the study and tracking of asteroids, some of them potentially close to Earth.