A Stellar Spectacle: Asteroid to Eclipse Betelgeuse on December 11th!
Get ready for a unique astronomical event! On December 11th, 2023, an asteroid named 319 Leona will briefly eclipse the famous red supergiant star Betelgeuse. This rare celestial occurrence, known as an occultation, will happen for a fleeting 15 seconds for observers within a narrow path across the Earth.
What is happening?
319 Leona, a main belt asteroid roughly 50 by 34 miles (80 x 55 kilometers) in size, will pass directly between Betelgeuse and Earth from our perspective. This alignment will cause the asteroid to blot out the star's light for a brief moment, creating a temporary "mini-eclipse."
Why is this event so special?
Occultations of Betelgeuse are relatively uncommon, especially for such a well-known and bright star. This particular event is particularly interesting because Betelgeuse is a very dynamic star, undergoing dramatic changes in brightness over time. Observing its light being blocked by an asteroid provides valuable data for studying the star's size and structure.
Where and when can I see it?
Unfortunately, the visibility of this event will be limited. Only observers within a narrow path across the Earth will be able to witness the occultation. This path will stretch from Africa across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia, finally reaching the Pacific Ocean.
Betelgeuse occultation path
For those lucky enough to be in the path of the occultation, the event will happen between 3:00 and 5:00 AM local time on December 11th. You will need a clear view of the eastern horizon and a small telescope or binoculars to see the event.
How to observe the event
If you're located within the viewing path, here are some tips for observing the occultation:
- Find a location with a clear view of the eastern horizon.
- Use a telescope or binoculars with at least 10x magnification.
- Be patient and keep your eyes focused on Betelgeuse as the asteroid approaches.
- The disappearance of Betelgeuse's light will be sudden, so be ready to time it accurately.
What can we learn from this event?
Studying occultations like this one can help us learn a lot about the objects involved. In the case of Betelgeuse, the occultation will provide valuable information about the star's size and shape. Additionally, data collected during the event can be used to refine our understanding of the asteroid's orbit and physical properties.
So, if you happen to be in the right place at the right time, don't miss this unique opportunity to witness a celestial dance between an asteroid and a giant star!