THE HANDBOOK BRITISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION 2018

Transcription

1 THE HANDBOOK OF THE BRITISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION October ISSN X

2 CONTENTS PREFACE HIGHLIGHTS FOR SKY DIARY CALENDAR SUN ECLIPSES APPEARANCE OF PLANETS VISIBILITY OF PLANETS RISING AND SETTING OF THE PLANETS IN LATITUDES 52 N AND 35 S PLANETS Explanatin of Tables ELEMENTS OF PLANETARY ORBITS MERCURY VENUS EARTH MOON LUNAR LIBRATION MOONRISE AND MOONSET SUN S SELENOGRAPHIC COLONGITUDE LUNAR OCCULTATIONS GRAZING LUNAR OCCULTATIONS MARS ASTEROIDS ASTEROID EPHEMERIDES ASTEROID OCCULTATIONS (incl. TNO Hightlight:1998 WV31) ASTEROIDS: FAVOURABLE OBSERVING OPPORTUNITIES NEO CLOSE APPROACHES TO EARTH JUPITER SATELLITES OF JUPITER JUPITER ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS SATURN SATELLITES OF SATURN URANUS NEPTUNE TRANS NEPTUNIAN & SCATTERED-DISK OBJECTS DWARF PLANETS COMETS METEOR DIARY VARIABLE STARS (RZ Cassiopeiae; Algol; RS Canum Venaticorum) MIRA STARS VARIABLE STAR OF THE YEAR (VV Cephei) EPHEMERIDES OF VISUAL BINARY STARS BRIGHT STARS ACTIVE GALAXIES TIME ASTRONOMICAL AND PHYSICAL CONSTANTS INTERNET RESOURCES GREEK ALPHABET ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS / ERRATA Front Cover: Mars - Apparent Diam. 18.4" taken from Barbados on 2016 June 05 by Damian Peach using a 356mm aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (North up)

3 British Astronomical Association HANDBOOK FOR 2018 NINETY SEVENTH YEAR OF PUBLICATION BURLINGTON HOUSE, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W1J 0DU Telephone

4 PREFACE Welcome to the 97th Handbook of the British Astronomical Association. The Handbook tries to highlight forthcoming astronomical events for the year but there are always events that can be missed, or are entirely unpredictable, like comets, asteroid close approaches, aurorae, etc. Make sure you watch the BAA s website for the latest news. Also, make sure you are receiving the new newsletters by keeping your up to date with the BAA office. Once again we would also encourage everyone to join their local astronomical society to try equipment, talk to like-minded people, and to give and receive help. It can take a long time to choose the right equipment and learn how to use it, so make the most of your local society. The BAA s Sections can help too. Contact the Section Directors, who will be pleased to help. Don't forget the special BAA Summer Meeting & Joint BAAVSS-AAVSO Meeting to be held at Warwick University : Saturday-Sunday July 7-8 (Organisers: Hazel Collett & Roger Pickard). ( You may also like to consider getting involved with the annual events organised as part of World Space Week (4-10 Oct.). This is an international celebration of all things SPACE and focuses on science and technology and its role in the past, present and future of mankind. World Space Week currently consists of space education and outreach events held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetaria, museums, and astronomy clubs around the world. ( Unfortunately we are restricted by the number of pages that we can include in the Handbook. This does mean that some things will have to be left out. However, the Computing Section does try to publish all additional data on the section website ( Members may also like to know that the Computing Section provides the data for the Royal Astronomical Society s Diary. Finally, we must thank all the contributors to the Handbook. You will find them acknowledged on page 116. Contact details for many of these can be found at the back of every Journal. Alternatively, the Director, Steve Harvey (address below) and messages can be forwarded to those concerned. Clear skies for 2018! Steve Harvey Director, Computing Section baa@steveharvey.co.uk August Preface BAA Handbook 2018

5 HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2018 The following events during 2018 are worthy of note: Sun and Moon: There will be five eclipses (three of the Sun and two of the Moon). All three solar eclipses are partial and in polar regions so will be difficult to observe, The two lunar eclipse are both full. The eclipse of July 27 will be the most central umbral shadow since It will be visible (having already started) from moonrise in the UK. Planets, Dwarf Planets and Asteroids: Mercury is best seen in northern latitudes in the mornings in early January and mid to late August (for southern latitudes it is best seen in early to mid-january and mid-april to mid-may. In the evenings it is best seen around March and mid-june to early July.(July and late October to mid-november for southern latitudes). Venus is an evening object throughout the middle months of the year, reaching inferior conjunction on 26 Oct.., and then a morning object at the end of the year. A favourable Conjunction occurs with Mars and Jupiter (7 Jan.). Mars rises from the early morning hours at the beginning of the year and is visible throughout the year. Mars reaches perihelic opposition Jul. 27 (05:14), with a diameter of 24.3" and magnitude -2.8 (From Greenwich transit is at 00:14 13 S) Meteors: Among the meteor showers, the most favourable are: the Lyrids (April), Perseids (August) and Draconids(October). Also favourable are: Capricornids, ι-aquarids, Taurids, Leonids and Geminids. Comets: The comets 21P/Giacobini-Zinner and 46P/Wirtanen, which may reach naked eye brightness. 46P/Wirtanen is a special target for Pro-am observations in Also worth note (due to its tendency to outburst) is 29P/ Schwassmann-Wachmann. Refer to the BAA Comet Section for latest info : Space Probes and Artificial Satellites: NASA will launch its first mission to the sun during the summer of the Parker Solar Probe. The Juno probe will deorbit into Jupiter during February. ESA's mission to Mercury, BepiColombo is scheduled for launch in October. Predictions for the International Space Station and other bright satellites can be found for any geographic location at: Highlights by date: Jan. 7 Mars 0.2 South of Jupiter 31 Total lunar eclipse visible from north-west America, the Pacific, Asia and Australia Feb. 15 Partial solar eclipse visible over Antarctica and finishing in South America. Mar. 20 The vernal equinox occurs in the northern hemisphere at 16:16 UT Apr. 22 Lyrid meteor shower May 9 Jupiter at opposition Jun. 28 Saturn at opposition Jun. 21 The summer solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere at 10:08 UT Jul. 13 Partial solar eclipse visible over Antarctica 27 Mars at perihelic opposition 27 Total lunar eclipse visible over Western Africa, and Central Asia, seen rising over South America, Eastern Africa, and Europe Aug. 11 Partial solar eclipse is visible across the Arctic, north-east Canada, north-east Asia at sunrise. 13 Perseid meteor shower Aug. 28 OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will arrive at the asteroid Bennu Sep. 7 Neptune at opposition 23 The autumnal equinox occurs in the northern hemisphere at 01:55 UT Oct. 24 Uranus at opposition Nov. 17 Leonids meteor shower Dec. 14 Geminids meteor shower 21 The winter solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere at 22:23 UT BAA Handbook 2018 Highlights 3

6 SKY DIARY m d h Phenomenon m d h Lunation Mercury greatest elongation W(23 ) Full Moon Quadrantids Mars 0.2 South of Jupiter Last Quarter Venus superior conjunction Pluto conjunction Sun Vesta 0.4 North of the Moon Mercury 0.6 South of Saturn Pluto 1.8 South of the Moon New Moon Neptune 1.6 North of the Moon First Quarter Ceres opposition Total Lunar eclipse Full Moon Last Quarter Vesta 0.9 North of the Moon Pluto 2 South of the Moon Juno conjunction Sun Partial Solar eclipse New Moon Mercury 1 South of the Moon Venus 0.5 North of the Moon Mercury superior conjunction Neptune 1.7 North of the Moon Venus 0.6 South of Neptune First Quarter Mercury 0.5 South of Neptune Full Moon Neptune conjunction Sun Mercury 1.4 North of Venus Vesta 1.7 North of the Moon Last Quarter Pluto 1.7 South of the Moon Mercury greatest elongation E(18 ) Neptune 1.7 North of the Moon New Moon First Quarter Venus 0.07 South of Uranus Full Moon Mercury inferior conjunction Mars 1.2 South of Saturn Saturn 2 South of the Moon Last Quarter Pluto 1.5 South of the Moon Neptune 2 North of the Moon New Moon Uranus conjunction Sun Lyrids First Quarter Mercury greatest elongation W(27 ) Full Moon Saturn 1.7 South of the Moon Eta Aquarids Pluto 1.3 South of the Moon Last Quarter Jupiter opposition New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Vesta 2 North of the Moon Saturn 1.6 South of the Moon Pluto 1.2 South of the Moon Mercury superior conjunction Last Quarter New Moon Vesta opposition First Quarter Saturn opposition Vesta 0.2 South of the Moon Saturn 1.8 South of the Moon Full Moon Pluto 1.2 South of the Moon 4 Sky Diary BAA Handbook 2018

7 SKY DIARY cont'd m d h Phenomenon m d h Lunation Last Quarter Mercury greatest elongation E(26 ) Pluto opposition Partial Solar eclipse New Moon Venus 1.6 South of the Moon First Quarter Saturn 2 South of the Moon Pluto 1.3 South of the Moon Mars opposition Total Lunar Eclipse Full Moon Delta Aquarids Last Quarter Mercury inferior conjunction Partial Solar eclipse New Moon Perseids Venus greatest elongation E(46 ) First Quarter Pluto 1.4 South of the Moon Full Moon Mercury greatest elongation W(18 ) Last Quarter Neptune opposition Mercury 2 South of the Moon New Moon First Quarter Mercury superior conjunction Full Moon Last Quarter Ceres conjunction Sun New Moon Saturn 1.8 South of the Moon Pluto 1 South of the Moon First Quarter Mars 2 South of the Moon Orionids Uranus opposition Venus inferior conjunction Full Moon Last Quarter Taurids Mercury greatest elongation E(23 ) New Moon Saturn 1.4 South of the Moon Pluto 1 South of the Moon First Quarter Mars 1 North of the Moon Leonids Full Moon Jupiter conjunction Sun Mercury inferior conjunction Mercury 0.4 North of Jupiter Last Quarter Mercury 2 South of the Moon New Moon Mars 0.04 North of Neptune Saturn 1 South of the Moon Pluto 0.7 South of the Moon Geminids Mercury greatest elongation W(22 ) First Quarter Mercury 0.8 North of Jupiter Ursids Full Moon Last Quarter BAA Handbook 2018 Sky Diary 5

8 CALENDAR 2018 January February March April May June July Aug September October November December day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day day of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of month year month year month year month year month year month year month year month year month year month year month year month year Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat BAA Handbook 2018 Sun Mon January 2018 is Julian day number See also p.17

9 SUN The tables on p.8 9 give the apparent RA, Dec. and diameter of the Sun, the UT of transit across the Greenwich meridian, and P, B 0, L 0 where P is the position angle of the N end of the axis of rotation. It is positive when east of the north point of the disk, negative if west; B 0 is the heliographic latitude of the centre of the disk; L 0 is the heliographic longitude of the centre of the disk. Decrease of L 0 with Time h m º h m º h m º h m º h º l The heliographic longitude and latitude of a spot may be conveniently estimated by the method described in J. Br. Astron. Assoc., 53, 63 (1943). Carrington Rotation Number The dates of commencement of the synodic rotations, in continuation of Carrington s (Greenwich Photo Heliographic) series, are as follows: Rotation Begins Rotation Begins Rotation Begins d d d 2200 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Sep Oct Nov Dec At the date of commencement of each synodic rotation period the value of L 0 is zero; that is, the prime meridian passes through the central point of the disk. The sidereal period of rotation of the Sun used in physical ephemerides is mean solar days, after Carrington; the mean synodic rotation period is d BAA Handbook 2018 Sun 7

10 SUN 2017/8 RA Dec. Diam. Transit P B 0 L 0 h m ' ' " h m Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Sun BAA Handbook 2018

11 SUN 2018 RA Dec. Diam. Transit P B 0 L 0 h m ' ' " h m Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan BAA Handbook 2018 Sun 9

12 ECLIPSES During 2018 there will be three eclipses of the Sun and two of the Moon. 1. A total eclipse of the Moon on January 31 will be visible over north-western North America, the Pacific, Asia, and Australia. 2. A partial eclipse of the Sun on February 15 starts over Antarctica and ends in Southern Chile and Argentina. (40% eclipsed at best over southernmost South American landfall). 3. A partial eclipse of the Sun on July 13 is visible from Antarctica and a small slither of southern Australia. 4. A total eclipse of the Moon on July 27 is visible over Western Africa, and Central Asia, seen rising over South America, Eastern Africa, and Europe, and setting over Eastern Asia, and Australia. The latter part of the eclipse will only be visible at moonrise from the UK. This eclipse is a fairly central eclipse insofar as it has a gamma value of 0.11 (where 0 is perfectly central and 1.00 is the limit of the earth's umbral shadow). Typically more centrally placed eclipses produces a deeper red hue at greatest eclipse. This will be the first central lunar eclipse since the June 15, 2011 lunar eclipse. 5. A partial eclipse of the Sun on August 11 is visible across the Arctic, North Eastern Canada, North Eastern Asia at sunrise. Solar Eclipse Mailing List The solar eclipse community is very active and there is a plethora of websites devoted entirely to the subject. To keep up to date join the Solar Eclipse mailing list: Useful eclipse websites include: For weather predictions : Jay Anderson's site: For general information : Xavier Jubier's site: or Fred Espenak's: & 10 Eclipses BAA Handbook 2018

13 ECLIPSES BAA Handbook 2018 Eclipses 11

14 ECLIPSES 12 Eclipses BAA Handbook 2018

15 ECLIPSES BAA Handbook 2018 Eclipses 13

16 ECLIPSES 14 Eclipses BAA Handbook 2018

17 ECLIPSES BAA Handbook 2018 Eclipses 15

18 APPEARANCE OF PLANETS APPEARANCE OF PLANETS 16 Appearance of Planets BAA Handbook 2018

19 VISIBILITY OF PLANETS The diagrams on pp 18 19, drawn for latitudes N 52 and S 35 respectively, show the times for the risings and settings of the Sun and the planets. The beginning and end of astronomical twilight (Sun 18 below horizon) is also shown. The times are in Local Mean Time and are thus in GMT (= UT) for Greenwich. Since dates change at midnight, the dates at the top differ by one day from those at the foot. Each vertical line, followed upwards, indicates the succession of phenomena in the course of one night. Thus, at latitude N 52 on the night of March 31-April 1, Mercury rises at 5h 35m and Venus sets at 20h 20m, Mars and Saturn rise close to 2h 10m, Jupiter rises at 22h 15m. Uranus sets during twilight at 20h 00m, Neptune rises at 05h 05m. Sunrise is at 05h 35m and sunset at 18h 30m, (Timings derived from diagram to nearest 5 minutes.) The UT of any phenomenon seen from elsewhere than Greenwich may be obtained as follows: 1. For longitudes east of Greenwich, subtract the longitude, expressed as time. For longitudes west of Greenwich, add the longitude expressed as time. (One degree of longitude represents 4 minutes.) This applies both to rising and to setting times. 2. Correct for latitude using a value for Δh from the table below. Add Δh, for setting times and subtract Δh for rising times. The correction should be obtained by interpolating in both latitude and declination. Δh TABLE Latitude Dec. Latitude N 58 N 55 N 50 N 40 N 30 N 20 0 S 20 S 25 S 30 S 40 S 45 m m m m m m m m m m m m If Dec. is negative, reverse the sign of Δh. BAA Handbook 2018 Visibility of Planets 17

20 RISING AND SETTING OF PLANETS 18 Visibility of Planets BAA Handbook 2018

21 RISING AND SETTING OF PLANETS BAA Handbook 2018 Visibility of Planets 19

22 PLANETS The ephemerides of all the planets (except the dwarf planets and the minor planets), and also the diagrams for Uranus and Neptune, are referred to the apparent equinox, so that the RA and Dec. required for setting on the telescope are obtained directly from the ephemeris. For the minor planets and comets, astrometric ephemerides referred to the equinox of are given. Thus they are directly comparable with star catalogues and atlases referred to this epoch; however, precession should be applied to their positions before setting on a telescope. The magnitudes given are visual. For the minor planets, it should be noted that photographic magnitudes are fainter by about 0.7. The Sky Diary lists other phenomena in chronological order. Relative positions in the Diary are geocentric. Some headings in the tables are abbreviated, as follows: a = Length of semi major axis of orbit au CM = The longitude of central meridian D E = Planetocentric declination of the Earth (called Tilt in previous Handbooks) D S = Planetocentric declination of the Sun e = Eccentricity of orbit Elong. = Elongation of the planet from the Sun (where + is east and is west) H = Mean absolute asteroid magnitude i = Inclination L S = The planetocentric longitude of the Sun, measured in the plane of the orbit from its ascending node on the Martian equator and given as a direct and exact indicator of the Martian season. The Martian Vernal Equinox (N. Hemisphere) occurs when L S = 0. M = Mean anomaly at the epoch V = Visual magnitude Node = Longitude of the ascending node P = Position angle of the axis of rotation, or of an occultation, measured eastwards from the north point of the disk Peri. = Argument of perihelion Ph. = Phase, the fraction of the disk area that is illuminated Q = Position angle of the point of greatest defect of illumination. The position angle of the line of cusps is Q±90. r = Heliocentric distance au U = Uncertainty code Δ = Distance from Earth au λ = Solar longitude Longitudes of central meridians refer to the geometric disks. 20 Planets BAA Handbook 2018

23 ELEMENTS OF PLANETARY ORBITS KEPLERIAN ELEMENTS FOR THE EPOCH 2018 JAN. 0.5 TT Mean Longitude Mean Longitude Mean Longitude Inclination at the of the of the to the Mean Planet Epoch Perihelion Ascending Node Ecliptic Eccentricity Distance L ϖ Ω i e a º º º º au Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Keplerian elements are referred to the mean ecliptic and adjusted for best fit. The elements can be used for the determination of approximate positions of the planets according to Standish, E.M. and Williams, J.G.: Sidereal Mean Mean Perihelion Aphelion Mean Daily Sidereal Synodic Orbital Distance Distance Motion Period Period Velocity q Q n P au au d d km/s Mercury Venus Earth n/a Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune BAA Handbook 2018 Elements of Planetary Orbits 21

24 MERCURY Morning Apparition Greatest Elongation W Superior Conjunction Jan. 1 (23 ) Feb. 17 Apr. 29 (27 ) Jun. 6 Aug. 26 (18 ) Sep. 21 Dec. 15 (21 ) When best seen: Northern Hemisphere: early Jan., mid to late Aug. Southern Hemisphere: early to mid Jan., mid Apr.to mid May 2018 RA Dec V Diam Ph. Elong. CM Δ h m ' " au Jan Feb Apr May Jun Aug Sep Nov Dec Mercury BAA Handbook 2018

25 MERCURY Evening Apparition Greatest Elongation E Inferior Conjunction Mar. 15 (18 ) Apr. 1 Jul. 12 (26 ) Aug. 9 Nov. 6 (23 ) Nov. 27 When best seen: Northern Hemisphere: Mar., mid Jun. to early Jul. Southern Hemisphere: Jul., Late Oct. to mid Nov RA Dec V Diam. Ph. Elong. CM Δ h m ' " au Feb Mar Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov BAA Handbook 2018 Mercury 23

26 VENUS Superior Conjunction : Jan. 9 Greatest elongation E : Aug. 17 (46 ) Inferior Conjunction : Oct RA Dec. V Diam. Ph. Elong. Δ h m ' " au Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Venus BAA Handbook 2018

27 EARTH Perihelion Aphelion Jan. 03d 03h 17m (147,100,176 km, au) Jul. 06d 16h 15m (152,103,776 km, au) Equinoxes Mar. 20d 16h 16m Sep. 23d 01h 55m Solstices Jun. 21d 10h 08m Dec. 21d 22h 23m Obliquity MOON PHASES OF THE MOON New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Last Quarter d h m d h m d h m d h m Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Jan Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Mar Apr May May Apr May Jun Jun May Jun Jul Jul Jun Jul Aug Aug Jul Aug Sep Sep Aug Sep Oct Oct Sep Oct Nov Nov Oct Oct Dec Dec Nov Nov Dec Dec APSIDES APOGEE PERIGEE Date Diam. Date Diam. Date Diam. Date Diam. d h ' " d h ' " d h ' " d h ' " Jan Jul Jan Jul Feb Aug Jan Aug Mar Sep Feb Sep Apr Oct Mar Oct May Nov Apr Oct Jun Dec May Nov Jun Jun Dec BAA Handbook 2018 Earth / Moon 25

28 LUNAR LIBRATION The libration data are given in two forms: as a size and position angle (P); and as the selenographic longitude and latitude of the centre of the disk. The position angle identifies the point on the edge of the disk most displaced towards the centre of the disk from its mean position and is measured from the North point of the disk (NOT the North Pole of the Moon, which usually does not coincide with the North point of the disk) anticlockwise through celestial East, as shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1 N, E, S and W are directions in the sky. Selenographic longitude and latitude are analogous to geographic longitude and latitude, with latitudes of +90º and 90º identifying the Moon's North and South Poles, around which the Moon rotates. Positive longitudes are in the Moon's Eastern hemisphere and negative longitudes in the Moon's Western hemisphere, as shown in Fig. 2 for the case of zero libration. For zero libration the selenographic longitude and latitude of the centre of the disk are both 0º. Note that the Eastern hemisphere (positive selenographic longitude) of the Moon in Fig. 2 roughly corresponds to the Western side (in terms of sky direction) of the disk in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Maximum Minimum Date Size P Sel Lon Sel Lat Date Size P Sel Lon Sel Lat d º º º º d º º º º Jan Jan Feb Feb Mar Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec Lunar BAA Handbook 2018

29 MOONRISE AND MOONSET On the four following pages are given the times (UT) of moonrise and moonset for longitude 0, in the standard latitudes of N 52 and S 35. Observers in most other latitudes can determine approximate times using the following method, where the times of moonrise and moonset are for the standard latitude in the same hemisphere as the observer. The basis of the method is given in J. Br. Astron. Assoc., 86, 416 (1976). 1. For a moonrise, R 1, use the previous moonset, S 0, and the following moonset, S 2. Form a = 2R 1 +S 0 +S 2 +8 m 2. For a moonset, S 1, use the previous moonrise, R 0, and the following moonrise, R 2. Form a = 2S 1 R 0 R 2 +8 m 3. Enter the table on the right with argument a and obtain the Moon s Dec., by mental interpolation, to 0.1º. 4. Enter the table on p.17 with this Dec. and the required latitude to obtain Δh. 5. Moonrise for required latitude = R Δh. Moonset for required latitude = S Δh. The accuracy of the times so derived is ±3 m. The times thus found are for longitude 0º. For other longitudes it is necessary to calculate the times of the previous (following) similar phenomenon at the standard latitude if the observer is east (west) of Greenwich and then interpolate them to the observer s longitude. These calculations are most conveniently carried out using a spreadsheet or suitable applet. Observers are referred to the BAA's Computing Section webpage for support in doing these calculations: N 52 S 35 a Dec. a h m h m same opp sign } Dec{ sign as a to a BAA Handbook 2018 Lunar 27

30 MOONRISE AND MOONSET LATITUDE N 52º January February March April May June Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Day h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m 1 15:46 07:00 18:13 08:13 17:02 06:41 19:44 06:25 20:56 05:41 22:32 06: :51 08:06 19:32 08:46 18:22 07:11 20:56 06:49 22:00 06:12 23:13 07: :06 09:01 20:50 09:13 19:39 07:37 22:05 07:14 22:58 06:47 23:47 07: :24 09:44 22:04 09:38 20:53 08:01 23:10 07:42 23:50 07:28 : 08: :43 10:19 23:16 10:01 22:06 08:25 : 08:15 : 08:16 00:16 10: :59 10:48 : 10:24 23:15 08:49 00:11 08:52 00:35 09:10 00:41 11: :12 11:13 00:24 10:49 : 09:16 01:06 09:36 01:12 10:08 01:03 12:16 8 : 11:36 01:31 11:16 00:21 09:45 01:55 10:26 01:44 11:11 01:25 13: :23 11:58 02:34 11:47 01:24 10:19 02:37 11:22 02:12 12:17 01:46 14: :31 12:21 03:34 12:22 02:21 10:59 03:12 12:23 02:36 13:25 02:09 15: :37 12:46 04:29 13:04 03:13 11:45 03:43 13:28 02:59 14:35 02:35 17: :42 13:14 05:19 13:53 03:59 12:37 04:09 14:35 03:21 15:48 03:05 18: :44 13:46 06:02 14:48 04:38 13:36 04:33 15:45 03:44 17:03 03:43 19: :42 14:24 06:39 15:48 05:12 14:38 04:56 16:57 04:08 18:21 04:31 20: :35 15:08 07:11 16:52 05:41 15:45 05:19 18:11 04:37 19:40 05:31 21: :22 15:59 07:39 17:58 06:07 16:53 05:43 19:27 05:11 20:58 06:41 22: :04 16:56 08:04 19:07 06:31 18:03 06:09 20:44 05:53 22:10 07:57 23: :39 17:57 08:27 20:16 06:53 19:15 06:39 22:01 06:46 23:13 09:17 23: :09 19:01 08:49 21:27 07:16 20:29 07:16 23:14 07:49 : 10:35 : 20 09:35 20:08 09:12 22:39 07:41 21:43 08:01 : 09:00 00:05 11:51 00: :59 21:16 09:37 23:53 08:08 22:58 08:56 00:21 10:15 00:47 13:04 00: :21 22:25 10:05 : 08:40 : 10:00 01:18 11:32 01:20 14:16 01: :43 23:36 10:39 01:07 09:18 00:12 11:11 02:05 12:47 01:48 15:26 01: :07 : 11:20 02:20 10:06 01:22 12:26 02:43 14:01 02:12 16:34 01: :33 00:49 12:12 03:29 11:03 02:25 13:43 03:14 15:14 02:34 17:40 02: :04 02:04 13:14 04:30 12:10 03:19 14:58 03:41 16:25 02:56 18:42 02: :41 03:20 14:25 05:23 13:23 04:03 16:13 04:05 17:35 03:19 19:39 03: :28 04:35 15:43 06:06 14:40 04:40 17:26 04:28 18:43 03:44 20:29 04: :26 05:44 15:58 05:11 18:38 04:51 19:49 04:12 21:13 04: :35 06:44 17:15 05:37 19:48 05:15 20:50 04:45 21:49 05: :52 07:33 18:30 06:02 21:44 05:23 28 Lunar BAA Handbook 2018

31 MOONRISE AND MOONSET LATITUDE N 52º July August September October November December Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m 22:19 06:48 21:56 09:00 21:34 11:32 21:31 12:59 23:55 14:18 00:20 13:45 22:46 07:51 22:17 10:08 22:06 12:45 22:28 14:01 : 14:48 01:37 14:06 23:09 08:56 22:39 11:18 22:47 13:57 23:36 14:55 01:14 15:14 02:53 14:28 23:30 10:02 23:03 12:30 23:38 15:06 : 15:39 02:33 15:38 04:07 14:51 23:51 11:10 23:33 13:43 : 16:07 00:51 16:15 03:51 16:00 05:21 15:16 : 12:20 : 14:58 00:40 16:59 02:11 16:45 05:07 16:23 06:32 15:45 00:12 13:32 00:09 16:12 01:54 17:41 03:32 17:11 06:23 16:47 07:40 16:19 00:35 14:46 00:55 17:20 03:14 18:16 04:53 17:34 07:37 17:14 08:42 17:01 01:02 16:04 01:52 18:20 04:36 18:45 06:12 17:58 08:48 17:46 09:37 17:49 01:35 17:21 03:02 19:08 05:59 19:10 07:29 18:22 09:53 18:24 10:23 18:44 02:17 18:35 04:21 19:48 07:20 19:34 08:45 18:48 10:52 19:08 11:01 19:44 03:10 19:40 05:44 20:20 08:38 19:58 09:57 19:17 11:43 20:00 11:32 20:47 04:16 20:35 07:07 20:47 09:53 20:23 11:05 19:51 12:26 20:56 11:58 21:51 05:31 21:18 08:28 21:11 11:06 20:50 12:07 20:32 13:01 21:58 12:21 22:57 06:52 21:53 09:46 21:34 12:14 21:21 13:01 21:19 13:30 23:01 12:41 : 08:14 22:21 11:01 21:58 13:18 21:57 13:48 22:12 13:54 : 13:01 00:04 09:34 22:46 12:13 22:23 14:16 22:40 14:27 23:11 14:16 00:07 13:20 01:12 10:50 23:09 13:22 22:51 15:07 23:29 14:59 : 14:37 01:14 13:41 02:23 12:04 23:31 14:27 23:23 15:50 : 15:26 00:13 14:56 02:23 14:05 03:36 13:16 23:55 15:28 00:01 16:26 00:24 15:50 01:18 15:17 03:34 14:34 04:53 14:25 : 16:22 : 16:57 01:24 16:12 02:25 15:40 04:47 15:10 06:10 15:32 00:20 17:10 00:45 17:23 02:27 16:32 03:33 16:07 06:03 15:57 07:26 16:35 00:49 17:51 01:36 17:46 03:33 16:53 04:44 16:39 07:20 16:56 08:35 17:34 01:23 18:25 02:33 18:08 04:41 17:15 05:56 17:20 08:37 18:07 09:33 18:26 02:03 18:54 03:35 18:28 05:49 17:39 07:09 18:12 09:48 19:25 10:20 19:12 02:49 19:19 04:39 18:49 06:59 18:08 08:25 19:14 10:50 20:47 10:57 19:50 03:42 19:42 05:45 19:11 08:11 18:43 09:40 20:26 11:41 22:07 11:26 20:23 04:41 20:02 06:52 19:37 09:23 19:27 10:52 21:43 12:22 23:26 11:51 20:50 05:43 20:23 08:00 20:07 10:37 20:21 11:58 23:02 12:54 : 12:13 21:14 06:48 20:44 09:09 20:44 11:50 21:26 12:54 : 13:21 00:43 12:35 21:36 07:53 21:07 10:20 22:38 13:41 01:57 12:57 BAA Handbook 2018 Lunar 29

32 MOONRISE AND MOONSET LATITUDE S 35º January February March April May June Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Day h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m 1 18:43 04:07 20:01 06:09 18:33 04:54 18:53 06:56 18:38 07:44 19:30 09: :45 05:09 20:42 07:18 19:12 06:02 19:28 07:58 19:18 08:41 20:22 09: :40 06:16 21:19 08:25 19:48 07:08 20:04 08:58 20:01 09:36 21:15 10: :28 07:26 21:54 09:29 20:23 08:12 20:43 09:56 20:48 10:28 22:09 11: :11 08:34 22:28 10:30 20:58 09:14 21:24 10:52 21:38 11:17 23:05 11: :48 09:40 23:01 11:29 21:33 10:13 22:09 11:45 22:30 12:01 : 12: :23 10:43 23:36 12:27 22:10 11:12 22:56 12:35 23:24 12:42 00:02 13: :56 11:44 : 13:23 22:49 12:08 23:47 13:22 : 13:20 00:59 13:32 9 : 12:42 00:13 14:17 23:31 13:02 : 14:05 00:19 13:55 01:59 14: :28 13:39 00:53 15:10 : 13:53 00:40 14:45 01:16 14:28 03:01 14: :02 14:35 01:36 16:00 00:16 14:42 01:35 15:22 02:14 15:01 04:06 15: :37 15:30 02:23 16:47 01:05 15:27 02:32 15:57 03:14 15:34 05:14 16: :14 16:24 03:13 17:31 01:57 16:09 03:30 16:31 04:17 16:09 06:23 16: :55 17:15 04:06 18:12 02:51 16:48 04:30 17:04 05:21 16:47 07:31 17: :40 18:05 05:01 18:50 03:47 17:24 05:31 17:38 06:28 17:29 08:35 18: :28 18:51 05:57 19:25 04:45 17:59 06:34 18:14 07:36 18:17 09:33 20: :19 19:34 06:55 19:59 05:44 18:33 07:39 18:54 08:44 19:10 10:24 21: :12 20:13 07:53 20:32 06:44 19:06 08:46 19:37 09:49 20:10 11:08 22: :07 20:50 08:52 21:05 07:45 19:40 09:52 20:26 10:48 21:14 11:47 23: :03 21:24 09:52 21:40 08:47 20:17 10:56 21:20 11:41 22:20 12:23 : 21 09:00 21:57 10:54 22:17 09:51 20:57 11:57 22:20 12:27 23:26 12:56 00: :58 22:30 11:57 22:57 10:55 21:41 12:53 23:23 13:08 : 13:29 01: :57 23:03 13:02 23:43 12:00 22:30 13:42 : 13:45 00:31 14:02 02: :58 23:38 14:06 : 13:02 23:26 14:26 00:28 14:20 01:34 14:37 03: :01 : 15:08 00:35 14:01 : 15:06 01:34 14:53 02:36 15:14 04: :06 00:17 16:07 01:34 14:55 00:26 15:42 02:38 15:26 03:36 15:54 05: :13 01:00 17:01 02:38 15:43 01:31 16:17 03:41 16:00 04:36 16:38 06: :20 01:50 17:49 03:45 16:27 02:37 16:51 04:43 16:36 05:34 17:26 07: :23 02:47 17:06 03:44 17:25 05:44 17:14 06:32 18:16 07: :22 03:51 17:43 04:49 18:00 06:45 17:56 07:28 19:09 08: :15 04:59 18:18 05:54 18:42 08:22 30 Lunar BAA Handbook 2018

33 MOONRISE AND MOONSET LATITUDE S 35º July August September October November December Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m h : m 20:03 09:19 21:40 09:35 23:33 09:48 : 09:59 01:16 11:58 01:18 13:08 20:58 09:56 22:38 10:06 : 10:28 00:36 10:54 02:00 13:05 01:53 14:12 21:53 10:29 23:37 10:38 00:37 11:13 01:34 11:55 02:39 14:11 02:26 15:15 22:50 11:01 : 11:12 01:40 12:04 02:28 13:00 03:16 15:17 03:00 16:16 23:47 11:33 00:39 11:49 02:43 13:02 03:17 14:08 03:51 16:21 03:35 17:18 : 12:04 01:43 12:31 03:41 14:07 04:01 15:17 04:25 17:25 04:12 18:18 00:46 12:37 02:48 13:20 04:35 15:16 04:40 16:25 05:00 18:28 04:52 19:15 01:48 13:13 03:54 14:16 05:24 16:26 05:17 17:32 05:37 19:30 05:37 20:10 02:53 13:54 04:57 15:19 06:07 17:37 05:53 18:37 06:16 20:29 06:24 21:01 04:00 14:40 05:56 16:28 06:46 18:45 06:28 19:41 06:58 21:26 07:15 21:46 05:08 15:34 06:48 17:40 07:23 19:52 07:05 20:44 07:44 22:19 08:08 22:28 06:14 16:36 07:35 18:51 07:59 20:56 07:42 21:44 08:33 23:07 09:02 23:04 07:17 17:43 08:16 20:00 08:34 21:59 08:23 22:42 09:25 23:50 09:57 23:38 08:12 18:54 08:54 21:07 09:11 22:59 09:07 23:36 10:18 : 10:52 : 09:01 20:04 09:29 22:11 09:49 23:58 09:53 : 11:13 00:30 11:48 00:10 09:44 21:13 10:04 23:13 10:30 : 10:43 00:27 12:08 01:05 12:44 00:40 10:22 22:19 10:38 : 11:14 00:53 11:35 01:12 13:04 01:38 13:42 01:10 10:57 23:22 11:15 00:12 12:01 01:44 12:29 01:54 14:01 02:10 14:42 01:41 11:31 : 11:53 01:10 12:52 02:32 13:24 02:32 14:59 02:40 15:45 02:15 12:04 00:23 12:34 02:06 13:44 03:16 14:20 03:06 15:59 03:12 16:51 02:52 12:39 01:23 13:19 02:59 14:39 03:56 15:17 03:39 17:02 03:45 17:58 03:35 13:15 02:21 14:07 03:49 15:34 04:33 16:15 04:10 18:06 04:21 19:05 04:24 13:54 03:17 14:59 04:36 16:31 05:07 17:14 04:42 19:13 05:01 20:09 05:22 14:37 04:12 15:52 05:18 17:28 05:39 18:15 05:14 20:19 05:47 21:06 06:26 15:22 05:04 16:47 05:57 18:26 06:11 19:18 05:48 21:23 06:40 21:57 07:35 16:12 05:53 17:42 06:33 19:25 06:42 20:23 06:26 22:22 07:39 22:41 08:45 17:04 06:38 18:39 07:06 20:26 07:15 21:27 07:08 23:15 08:43 23:20 09:54 17:57 07:19 19:35 07:38 21:28 07:49 22:31 07:55 : 09:50 23:56 11:01 18:52 07:57 20:33 08:09 22:31 08:27 23:31 08:49 00:01 10:57 : 12:05 19:48 08:31 21:31 08:40 23:34 09:10 : 09:48 00:42 12:03 00:29 13:08 20:44 09:04 22:32 09:13 00:26 10:52 01:03 14:10 BAA Handbook 2018 Lunar 31

34 SUN S SELENOGRAPHIC COLONGITUDE Day Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. º º º º º º º º º º º º The Sun s selenographic colongitude is numerically equal to the selenographic longitude of the morning terminator, measured towards celestial East from the mean centre of the disk. Its value is approximately 270 at New Moon, 0 at First Quarter, 90 at Full Moon, and 180 at Last Quarter, and should be quoted on observations. The IAU longitude of the visible morning or evening terminator, as appropriate, can be obtained from the Sun s selenographic colongitude S as follows: Terminator S Longitude (IAU) New Moon to First Quarter Morning 270 to S East First Quarter to Full Moon Morning 0 to 90 S West Full Moon to Last Quarter Evening 90 to S East Last Quarter to New Moon Evening 180 to 270 S 180 West The hourly increase in S may be taken as Lunar Occultations BAA Handbook 2018

35 LUNAR OCCULTATIONS Except near new and full Moon, occultations of all stars down to magnitude 6.0, visible from the three pairs of stations whose co ordinates are tabulated below, are given in the following lists. ZC numbers refer to the Zodiacal Catalog (Astron. Papers of the American Ephemeris, X, part II, 1940). Long. (λ) Lat. (φ) Long. (λ) Lat. (φ) Greenwich Edinburgh Sydney Melbourne Dunedin Wellington Phase (Ph.). The first letter indicates whether disappearance (D) or reappearance (R). The second letter indicates whether the limb is dark (D) or bright (B). Column 7 gives the percentage Illumination of the Moon. CA is the cusp angle of the star, measured to the celestial east (anticlockwise) from the northernmost point of the Moon s limb. The time (T) of occultation at a place Δλ degrees east and Δφ degrees north of one of the stations for which a prediction is given may be found from: T = predicted time + a Δλ + b Δφ for which the coefficients a and b are given in the table in minutes. If the observer is west of the station, Δλ is taken as negative: similarly Δφ is negative if the observer is south of the station. For distances up to 500 km the error will not usually exceed 2 minutes. If the observer is at a place between two standard stations, for both of which the coefficients a and b are given, a better result can be obtained by using the values of a and b for a latitude midway between that of the observer and the nearer station. If φ 1, a 1, b 1 apply to this station, and (φ 2, a 2,b 2 to the more distant, and φ is the latitude of the observer, then Observers should note that these calculations are prone to error propagation and are best done using a spreadsheet or appropriate app. Suitable support is available on the BAA website. Notes: Predictions have been prepared using Occult 4 software. For stars not identified by a Greek letter, Flamsteed number or variable star designation, the HIP catalogue number is provided. When an occultation is given for one station of a pair, but not the other, the exclusion indicates the event is probably not observable at that station due to a miss, Moon elevation too low, sky too bright, or the event occurs on the bright limb. Observability is determined by a sophisticated algorithm in Occult 4. A more detailed list of occultations is printed monthly in the Lunar Section Circulars, available on the BAA web site. Alternatively, keen observers may like to download Occult to generate predictions for their site, from: (free for non commercial use). Further links can be found on the Internet Resources Page. BAA Handbook 2018 Lunar Occultations 33

36 LUNAR Lunar OCCULTATIONS Occultations GREENWICH EDINBURGH E 0.0º N 51.5º W 3.2º N 56.0º Date Star V Ph. Ill. of 2018 ZC Name Moon UT a b CA UT a b CA º h m m/º m/º º h m m/º m/º º Jan ψ Leo 5.4 RD N N Regulus 1.4 DB N N Regulus 1.4 RD N N HIP DD S N HIP DD N N HIP DD S S Ori 5.2 DD S S Feb γ Lib 3.9 RD S S ξ 1 Sgr 5.0 RD N μ Cet 4.3 DD N Tau 4.1 DD N N θ 1 Tau 3.8 DD S S θ 1 Tau 3.8 RB S θ 2 Tau 3.4 DD S S θ 2 Tau 3.4 RB S S HIP DD S N Aldebaran 0.9 DD S S Aldebaran 0.9 RB S S Tau 4.3 DD N N ψ Leo 5.4 DD N N Mar Regulus 1.4 DD N N Vir 5.7 RD N N HIP RD S S ι Aqr 4.3 RD N N ξ 2 Cet 4.3 DD S S Tau 5.0 DD S S Aldebaran 0.9 DD S S Aldebaran 0.9 RB S Tau 4.3 DD S S Tau 5.7 DD S S Apr η Lib 5.4 RD S S π Sgr 2.9 RD N N Ori 5.1 DD N N Ori 5.8 DD N N May ι Cap 4.3 RD N N Jun ψ Leo 5.4 DD S η Lib 5.4 DD N N ο Sgr 3.8 RD S S 34 Lunar Occultations BAA Handbook 2018

37 LUNAR Lunar OCCULTATIONS Occultations GREENWICH EDINBURGH E 0.0º N 51.5º W 3.2º N 56.0º Date Star V Ph. Ill. of 2018 ZC Name Moon UT a b CA UT a b CA h m m/ m/ h m m/ m/ Jul γ Cap 3.7 RD S Aqr 5.8 RD S S ψ 1 Aqr 4.2 RD N ψ 2 Aqr 4.4 RD S S μ Cet 4.3 RD N N Tau 4.1 RD S S γ Tau 3.7 RD S Aug HIP RD N N Tau 4.9 RD N Lib 5.5 DD N HIP DD N N Sep η Lib 5.4 DD N N γ Cap 3.7 DD S S δ Cap 2.9 DD S ψ 1 Aqr 4.2 DD N ψ 2 Aqr 4.4 DD S S ξ 2 Cet 4.3 RD N N μ Cet 4.3 RD S Tau 5.6 RD N N Oct Ori 5.8 RD S S ν Gem 4.1 RD S Gem 5.1 RD N N Gem 5.9 RD S N Tau 4.9 RD S Ori 5.9 RD S S χ 2 Ori 4.6 RD S S ζ Gem 4.0 RD S S Nov μ Cet 4.3 DD S N χ 1 Ori 4.4 RD S S ζ Gem 4.0 RD S Gem 5.4 RD S Leo 5.3 RD S S Dec ξ 2 Cet 4.3 DD S S HIP DD S S Tau 5.6 DD S S Tau 4.9 DD S S δ Cnc 3.9 RD S S BAA Handbook 2018 Lunar Occultations 35

38 LUNAR Lunar OCCULTATIONS Occultations SYDNEY MELBOURNE E 151.2º S 33.9º E 145.1º S 37.9º Date Star V Ph. Ill. of 2018 ZC Name Moon UT a b CA UT a b CA h m m/ m/ h m m/ m/ Jan Gem 5.1 RD S φ Oph 4.3 RD N N HIP RD N ν Psc 4.5 DD S S Gem 5.4 DD S S Feb Leo 5.3 RD S δ 1 Tau 3.8 DD N Tau 4.8 DD S Gem 5.1 DD S S Gem 5.9 DD S S Mar Lib 5.9 RD N φ Oph 4.3 DB S S φ Oph 4.3 RD S S Cap 5.9 DB S μ Cap 5.1 RD S S Cet 5.6 DD S ξ 1 Cet 4.4 DD N N ξ Ari 5.6 DD N N Apr π Cap 5.1 RD S S ρ Cap 4.9 RD N Psc 4.9 RD N N Psc 5.1 RD N N Leo 5.3 DD N N Lib 5.9 RD N May Cet 6.0 RD S Psc 5.1 RD S S Sgr 6.0 RD S S Jun Sgr 4.9 RD S S υ Cap 5.2 RD N S Aqr 5.3 RD S χ Aqr 4.9 DB N N χ Aqr 4.9 RD N N ν Psc 4.5 DB N S ν Psc 4.5 RD S S Sgr 4.9 RD S S ο Cap 5.9 RD N N Jul ι Aqr 4.3 DB S ι Aqr 4.3 RD S Cet 5.9 RD N N Oph 4.9 DD S Sgr 4.9 DD S S θ Cap 4.1 DB S S θ Cap 4.1 RD S S 36 Lunar Occultations BAA Handbook 2018

39 LUNAR Lunar OCCULTATIONS Occultations SYDNEY MELBOURNE E 151.2º S 33.9º E 145.1º S 37.9º Date Star V Ph. Ill. of 2018 ZC Name Moon UT a b CA UT a b CA º h m m/º m/º º h m m/º m/º º Aug Sgr 6.0 DD S S Cap 6.0 DD S S χ Aqr 4.9 RD N N ν Psc 4.5 DB S S ν Psc 4.5 RD S S Sep Tau 4.3 RD S S Sgr 4.9 DD N N ο Cap 5.9 DD N N Cap 5.2 DD S S ι Aqr 4.3 DD S S ι Aqr 4.3 RB S S Cet 5.9 RD S S Cet 5.6 RD N HIP RD N N Oct ξ Lib 5.5 DD N ξ Lib 5.5 RB N Oph 4.9 DD N Oph 4.9 RB N σ Cap 5.3 DD S S θ Cap 4.1 DD S S θ Cap 4.1 RB S S ζ Tau 3.0 DB N N ζ Tau 3.0 RD N N Nov ν Vir 4.0 DB N ν Vir 4.0 RD N S ξ 2 Sgr 3.5 DD N N ξ 2 Sgr 3.5 RB N N ι Cap 4.3 DD S χ Aqr 4.9 DD N δ Gem 3.5 RD S S η Cnc 5.3 RD N Dec Vir 5.0 RD S S ξ Lib 5.5 RD S S ι Cap 4.3 DD S ι Aqr 4.3 DD N N ι Aqr 4.3 RB N N Cet 6.0 DD S Psc 5.1 DD N N μ Cnc 5.3 RD N BAA Handbook 2018 Lunar Occultations 37

40 LUNAR Lunar OCCULTATIONS Occultations DUNEDIN WELLINGTON E 170.5º S 45.9º E 174.8º S 41.3º Date Star V Ph. Ill. of 2018 ZC Name Moon UT a b CA UT a b CA º h m m/º m/º º h m m/º m/º º Jan Gem 5.1 RD S HIP RD N N φ Oph 4.3 RD S σ Aqr 4.8 DD S Psc 4.9 DD N N Psc 5.1 DD N N Gem 5.4 DD S N Feb Gem 5.1 DD S S Mar φ Oph 4.3 DB S S φ Oph 4.3 RD S S Cet 5.6 DD S Apr π Cap 5.1 DB S S π Cap 5.1 RD S S ρ Cap 4.9 DB N N ρ Cap 4.9 RD N N Psc 4.9 RD S S Vir 5.0 DD N May φ Oph 4.3 RD N N Oph 4.9 RD S Cap 5.9 RD N N Sgr 6.0 RD S Jun Sgr 5.2 RD S S Sgr 4.9 RD S S υ Cap 5.2 RD S S Aqr 5.3 RD S χ Aqr 4.9 RD S S ν Psc 4.5 DB S ν Psc 4.5 RD S Sgr 5.2 RD N N Sgr 4.9 RD S σ Cap 5.3 RD S ο Cap 5.9 RD S S Jul Psc 5.1 DB N Psc 5.1 RD N Cet 5.6 RD N N ξ 1 Cet 4.4 DB N ξ 1 Cet 4.4 RD N N Leo 5.7 RB N Lib 5.9 DD S S Cap 6.0 RD N N 38 Lunar Occultations BAA Handbook 2018

41 LUNAR OCCULTATIONS DUNEDIN WELLINGTON E 170.5º S 45.9º E 174.8º S 41.3º Date Star V Ph. Ill. of 2018 ZC Name Moon UT a b CA UT a b CA º h m m/º m/º º h m m/º m/º º Aug Sgr 6.0 DD S ξ 1 Sgr 5.0 DD S υ Cap 5.2 DD S N Cap 5.9 DD N Cap 6.0 DD S χ Aqr 4.9 RD S S Sep Sgr 5.2 DD N N Sgr 4.9 DD S S ο Cap 5.9 DD S N Psc 5.1 RD N N Cet 5.6 RD S S ξ 1 Cet 4.4 DB N N ξ 1 Cet 4.4 RD S N HIP RD S S Oct Gem 5.3 RD S ξ Lib 5.5 DD S S Oph 4.9 DD N N Oph 4.9 RB N Sgr 5.3 DD S Sgr 4.9 DD N N Sgr 4.9 RB N N θ Cap 4.1 DD S S θ Cap 4.1 RB S S ζ Tau 3.0 DB S S ζ Tau 3.0 RD S S Nov ν Vir 4.0 RD S N ξ 2 Sgr 3.5 DD S S ξ 2 Sgr 3.5 RB S S ι Cap 4.3 DD S S ι Cap 4.3 RB S Aqr 5.3 DD N Tau 5.3 RD N N μ Gem 2.9 DB N μ Gem 2.9 RD N δ Gem 3.5 DB S S δ Gem 3.5 RD S S HIP RD S S Dec Vir 5.0 RD S S ξ Lib 5.5 RD S S ι Aqr 4.3 DD S S BAA Handbook 2018 Lunar Occultations 39

42 GRAZING LUNAR Lunar Occultations OCCULTATIONS The map shows the tracks of stars to magnitude 7.5 which will graze the Moon s limb and where the Moon is less than 90 percent sunlit, has an altitude of more than 5 and a cusp Angle > 3 The track commences in the West, and the Time (UT) is near the centre of the region. Tracks marked on the map as `A indicate the star is at a low altitude. Tracks marked with a `B indicate the bright limb is close. Small or negative cusp angles indicate the graze occurs at the terminator. The track is terminated if the altitude (A) is low or when the sky (S) is bright. Both the track and time (UT) start in the West. The Altitude (Alt) column is the approximate elevation of the Moon, as a guide to observability. Details for the potential observer will be supplied. Accuracy: Recording events to a UT accuracy of 0.5s or better are desirable. Observers using video or planetary webcams recording at 25fps or greater, with UT time stamps, are invited to contact the Lunar Section for assistance with light curve analysis and reporting of times. Visual Observers: Individuals and teams should continue to send timings to the Lunar Section. General circumstances for the events can be judged from personal planetarium software, but those planning to observe a graze should request track details from the Director of the Computing Section. More details of grazes are given in the Lunar Section Circulars, or may be computed using software for non commercial use from: Observers positioned on or very near the tracks may see the star disappear and reappear several times at the edge of features on the Moon s limb. The recorded times, to an accuracy of better than 0.5s, continue to be valuable in the study and refinement of the shape and motion of the Moon, and in the detection of double or multiple stars, particularly during grazes. Potential observers are encouraged to contact Tim Haymes at occultations@stargazer.me.uk for additional information and advice on how to report graze timings. A brief notification of success or failure of the observing attempt would also be helpful. Key to the Map 2018 Star N or S Cusp name ZC * Time V Sunlit limit angle sp alt. MM DD h m % 1 SAO Jan S 5.7 K SAO X1775 Jan S 6.4 G B Tau 741 Jan S 4.8 K Tau 508 Mar S 4.8 K SAO Mar S 2.8 F B Tau 685 Mar S 1.0 F SAO Mar S 1.0 A ψ Leo 1434 Jun S 1.4 M ψ 1 Aqr 3419 Jul N 2.7 K SAO Aug N 8.5 F SAO X7312 Sep N 9.5 B Gem 1113 Oct N 9.7 M B Psc 3529 Dec S 4.3 G B Leo 1684 Dec S 3.7 K0 34 * Numbers taken from the Robertson Zodiacal Catalog or the Extended Zodiacal Catalog d = double, m = multiple, u = unconfirmed. Precise times and cusp angles are dependent on location a negative number indicates a waning Moon graze occurs against a [B]right limb, [D]ark limb, [T]erminator sp star spectrum classification alt. is depenedent on location and is provided as a guide 40 Grazing Lunar Occultations BAA Handbook 2018

43 GRAZING LUNAR Lunar Occultations OCCULTATIONS BAA Handbook 2018 Grazing Lunar Occultations 41

44 MARS Opposition: Jul RA Dec. V Diam P Q Ph. D E D S L S h m ' " Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mars BAA Handbook 2018

45 LONGITUDE OF THE CENTRAL MERIDIAN OF MARS Day Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec CHANGE OF LONGITUDE IN INTERVALS OF MEAN TIME h h m m m BAA Handbook 2018 Mars 43

46 ASTEROIDS ORBITAL ELEMENTS Observers with binoculars or small telescopes may find these data useful in locating some of the brighter asteroids. The data below, for asteroids brighter than magnitude 9.6 at opposition, have been extracted from the Minor Planet Center s Minor Planet and Comet Ephemeris Service at: Equinox of the elements Epoch of the elements J2000 JD , 2017 Feb TT No. Name a e i Node Peri. M au º º º º 2 Pallas Juno Vesta Hebe Iris Flora Massalia Amphitrite Urania Harmonia Eros WEBSITE More information on asteroids and dwarf planets can be found on the website of the Asteroids and Remote Planets Section at: 44 Asteroids BAA Handbook 2018

47 ASTEROID EPHEMERIDES The geocentric data below, for asteroids listed on p.44, have been extracted from the Minor Planet Center Ephemeris Service at: Equinox of the elements Epoch of the elements J2000 JD , 2017 Feb TT 2 Pallas 2018 RA Dec. Δ r Elong. V h m s º ' " au au º Jan Feb Mar Pallas in conjunction to the Sun: 2018 August 17 Nov Dec Juno 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec BAA Handbook 2018 Asteroids 45

48 ASTEROID EPHEMERIDES 4 Vesta 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Asteroids BAA Handbook 2018

49 ASTEROID EPHEMERIDES 6 Hebe 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Iris 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Jan Feb Mar Apr Flora 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Jan Feb Mar BAA Handbook 2018 Asteroids 47

50 ASTEROID EPHEMERIDES 20 Massalia 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Jan Feb Mar Amphitrite 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au May Jun Jul Urania 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Aug Sep Oct Asteroids BAA Handbook 2018

51 ASTEROID EPHEMERIDES 40 Harmonia 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Oct Nov Dec Eros 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Nov Dec BAA Handbook 2018 Asteroids 49

52 ASTEROID OCCULTATIONS OCCULTATIONS OF STARS BY ASTEROIDS AND DWARF PLANETS Favourable events predicted by Edwin Goffin: Max Star Asteroid Asteroid Star Date UT ΔM Duration Magnitude Diameter hh:mm s km 372 Palma UCAC Jan : Eva UCAC Oct : Leda UCAC Nov : Caprera UCAC Dec : see page 51 for Chart In the table above: ΔM Max Duration Star Magnitude The change in V magnitude. Duration of the occultation for an observer at the centre of the shadow path Visual magnitude of the star Four predictions are highlighted (see table above). These present reasonably good opportunities for UK observers. Featured TNO: 1998WV31 on 2018 Jan 3 (See chart page 51 and table page 53). This Plutino is in a 2:3 resonance with Pluto at a perihelion distance of 28 AU (aphelion 50 AU. e=0.27). It is predicted to occult at 12.7 mag star in Taurus. Observers are requested to monitor the star for possible satellite occultations, and to help determine the actual ground track of the main body. Details here: Regional predictions Predictions are selected for : Star Mag 11.0 and brighter, Diam. >30Km, Durn. >3s, Mag-Drop >1.5 These are selected from E. Goffin s global predictions. TNO Global predictions Selected TNOs events all regions Major planets All major planet events are listed. Prediction uncertainties Predictions published a year in advance can be uncertain by several path widths. It s desirable to monitor appulses even when located outside nominal geographical limits as, on some occasions, the unexpected can be found. e.g. double stars or unknown satellites. Event duration The duration of an occultation depends on where the observer is positioned within the track. Negative and positive results are published on EURASTER.NET website : where there is a link to the BEST results. Recording and reporting an observation Observations should be timed with a UT accuracy of typically 0.1 to 0.3 sec and reported to the Asteroids and Remote Planets Section and the PLANOCCULT list server. Negative observations (no occultation) should also be reported. European observers are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the PLANOCCULT mailing list for last-minute updates and observation reports : - visit : and follow the instructions to use the list server. For more up-to-date information on predictions, finder charts and occultation news, consult the following home pages : - International Occultation Timing Association - Bruno Sicardy - Database maintained by Mike Kretlow - Steve Preston 50 Asteroids BAA Handbook 2018

53 ASTEROID OCCULTATIONS TNO HIGHLIGHT BAA Handbook 2018 Asteroids 51

54 ASTEROID OCCULTATIONS REGIONAL PREDICTIONS Minor Planet Diam Max. Mag. Date Time No. Name (IRAS) Star ID V Dur. drop RoV 2018 h m " sec. Jan Huberta 0.04 HSOY Hohensteina 0.07 HIP Tolosa 0.04 HSOY , Ulla 0.06 TYC Megaira 0.06 HSOY , Wabash 0.03 TYC , Klytia 0.04 TYC , Andromache 0.05 HSOY ,5,7 Feb Catriona 0.04 TYC , Gunlod 0.04 TYC Kassandra 0.08 TYC Rhea 0.02 TYC Pafuri 0.03 HSOY , Isolda 0.09 HIP Urda 0.02 HSOY Antigone 0.05 HIP , Patientia 0.12 HSOY , 5 Mar Kapteynia 0.03 UCAC , Happelia 0.04 HSOY , 8 Apr Hohensteina 0.05 HSOY Sandra 0.02 TYC May Rosalia 0.03 TYC Clementina 0.04 TYC , 6 Jun Zwetana 0.04 HIP Salonta 0.04 HSOY ,5,6 Jul Olivia 0.02 TYC Edna 0.07 TYC Aug Tololo 0.03 HSOY Sep Zelinda 0.11 HIP Pamina 0.04 HSOY Fidelio 0.05 TYC Ninina 0.06 HSOY Krat 0.03 TYC Alekto 0.04 UCAC ,5,7 Oct Urhixidur 0.05 TYC Aralia 0.04 TYC Alfaterna 0.02 HSOY Antilochus 0.03 TYC Eva 0.08 TYC Nov Alauda 0.08 TYC Arachne 0.07 HSOY Siwa 0.07 TYC Dec Hispania 0.10 TYC , Caprera 0.08 HIP , Francette 0.05 TYC , Alfaterna 0.03 HSOY , Desiderata 0.08 TYC , Austria 0.03 TYC Fidelio 0.07 TYC Ate 0.09 TYC Asteroids BAA Handbook 2018

55 ASTEROID OCCULTATIONS TNO GLOBAL PREDICTIONS Minor Planet Diam Max. Mag. Date Time No. Name (IRAS) Star ID V Dur. drop RoV 2018 h m " sec. Jan WV31 0 HSOY Mar Quaoar 0.04 HSOY Chaos 0.01 HSOY Thereus 0.01 HSOY Apr Ixion 0.03 HSOY Huya 0.02 HSOY May Chariklo 0.02 HSOY Chariklo 0.02 HSOY Jun Hylonome 0.01 HSOY Hylonome 0.01 HSOY Chariklo 0.02 HSOY Pluto 0.10 HSOY Jul Chariklo 0.02 HSOY Quaoar 0.04 HSOY , Amycus 0.01 HSOY Chariklo 0.02 HSOY , Amycus 0.01 HSOY Aug Pluto 0.10 HSOY Echeclus 0.01 HSOY Sep Quaoar 0.04 HSOY Oct Hylonome 0.01 HSOY MAJOR PLANET PREDICTIONS Planet Max. Date Time Name Diam Star ID V Dur. RoV 2018 h m " sec. Jan Mars 5.37 HIP Feb Jupiter HIP ,4,5 Apr Mars TYC May Mars HIP ,2 Jun Mars HSOY ,3,4 Jul Saturn TYC , Saturn UCAC , Jupiter HIP ,7,8 Aug Jupiter HIP Jupiter TYC ,4 Oct Mars TYC Nov Mars TYC ,5 Dec Mars 8.49 TYC Venus HIP Using the tables In the table of predictions : Time = UT of closest geocentric approach. Region of Visibility codes (RoV): 1 = North and Central America 2 = South America 3 = Europe, N. Africa and the Middle East 4 = South Africa 5 = Russia 6 = Pakistan, India, and SE Asia 7 = Japan, China and Taiwan 8 = Australia and New Zealand Where diameters are not listed in the IRAS catalogue, an assumed value of A, the geometric albedo, has been used to calculate a value for the asteroid diameter. Predictions computed by Edwin Goffin. Track details are available from the Flemish Astronomical Association ftp site: BAA Handbook 2018 Asteroids 53

56 ASTEROIDS: FAVOURABLE OBSERVING OPPORTUNITIES LIGHTCURVE OPPORTUNITIES Based on an analysis of both numbered and unnumbered objects in the Minor Planet Center MPCORB database by Brian D. Warner. Asteroids are listed which at opposition reach magnitude 14.5 or brighter, and for which the rotation period is very uncertain or unknown. Where a 'U' code is given as '1' or 1+, the values given are based on fragmentary lightcurves and are likely to be incorrect. Period/amplitude data are taken from the list maintained by Brian D. Warner, Alan W. Harris of the Space Science Institute and Petr Pravec of the Astronomical Institute, Ondrejov, Czech Republic, at: Asteroid Opposition Amplitude Number Name Date V Δ Dec. U Period of Magnitude Variation m d au Code h 7319 Leona Camelia AJ129* SR339* Baikal Adzhimushkaj Gryphia SE71* Pafuri > Fanny Braes HE Fini Sphinx Vicia DeVorkin Rumpelstilz Zwicky Damiaan Ossakajusto Asteroids BAA Handbook 2018

57 ASTEROIDS: FAVOURABLE OBSERVING OPPORTUNITIES cont'd Asteroid Opposition Amplitude Number Name Date V Δ Dec. U Period of Magnitude Variation m d au Code h 2015 FP118* Stateira** > Borrelly Lagrangea Mineura Thais > Nancy > Chantal > Flagsymphony** Werra Gelria Yalta van de Kamp > Aavasaksa > * Near-Earth asteroid, when brightest, **Low phase angle target BAA Handbook 2018 Asteroids 55

58 ASTEROIDS: FAVOURABLE OBSERVING OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AT LOW PHASE ANGLE AND AT OPPOSITION Asteroids have been selected on the following criteria: V 14.5, Phase Angle 0.20 Asteroid Opposition Minimum Maximum Number Name Date Phase Angle V Dec. Period Change in Magnitude m d h 2131 Mayall Parthenope Nofretete Bavaria Ortrud Thuringia Medusa Zerbinetta Clara Galatea Oenone Silesia Luscinia Astrid Zoya Larissa Kythera Thora Thule Helga Stateira > Isko Benda Gorbatskij Ariane Flagsymphony Petunia Abastumani Haidea Brunsia Asteroids BAA Handbook 2018

59 NEO CLOSE APPROACHES TO EARTH Prepared from data on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Near Earth Object Program website at: This lists asteroids predicted to pass within 0.05 au (about 7.5 million km) of the Earth attaining magnitude 19.5 or brighter during 2018 (as of 2017 Mar 26). Especially favourable approaches are shown in bold. Newly-discovered objects may be added to the list available via the JPL NEO site, so do check this for recent updates. The Nominal Miss Distance is given in Lunar Distances (LD) and Astronomical Units (au). The apparent Elongation and Declination are geocentric. Ephemerides should be obtained near the time of observation from the MPC via its Minor Planet and Comet Ephemeris Service at: For your local ephemerides, choose a location or observatory near your site. Note that the positions of some objects may be subject to significant uncertainty. Object Close Nominal Relative Magnitude Date Elongation Declination Approach Miss Distance Velocity H (brightest) when when when Date* brightest brightest brightest LD** au km s Jan Jan CB19 Feb Feb Feb Feb BN509 Feb Feb EY24 Feb Feb GD35 Mar Apr FG29 Apr Apr Apr Apr JP Apr Apr US3 Apr May JR100 Apr May FN19 May May JR25 May May May May HP6 May May LK1 May May May May DP155 Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun NF23 Aug Aug SD9 Aug Aug FP118 Sep Sep SW6 Sep Sep US7 Oct Oct UG1 Oct Oct Oct Oct VE68 Nov Nov WB105 Nov Nov WD14 Nov Nov WO15 Nov Dec VX4 Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec * Dates are quoted to the nearest day if uncertainty in close approach date is greater than ±0.2 day ** Lunar Distance: 1.0 LD = x 105 km or AU. BAA Handbook 2018 Asteroids 57

60 JUPITER Opposition: May 9 Conjunction: November Equat Polar RA Dec. Mag D Diam. Diam. E Δ h m º ' " " º au Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Description of the headings in the table can be found on page Jupiter BAA Handbook 2018

61 LONGITUDE OF CENTRAL MERIDIAN OF JUPITER SYSTEM I Day Jan. º Feb. º Mar. º Apr. º May º Jun. º Jul. º Aug. º Sep. º Oct. º Nov. º Dec. º CHANGE OF LONGITUDE IN INTERVALS OF MEAN TIME h º h º º m º m m º System I applies to all objects situated on or between the north component of the South Equatorial Belt and the south component of the North Equatorial Belt. BAA Handbook 2018 Jupiter 59

62 LONGITUDE OF CENTRAL MERIDIAN OF JUPITER SYSTEM II Day Jan. º Feb. º Mar. º Apr. º May º Jun. º Jul. º Aug. º Sep. º Oct. º Nov. º Dec. º CHANGE OF LONGITUDE IN INTERVALS OF MEAN TIME h º h º m º m º m º System II applies to all objects situated north of the south component of the North Equatorial Belt or south of the north component of the South Equatorial Belt. 60 Jupiter BAA Handbook 2018

63 LONGITUDE OF CENTRAL MERIDIAN OF JUPITER SYSTEM III (2009) Day Jan. º Feb. º Mar. º Apr. º May º Jun. º Jul. º Aug. º Sep. º Oct. º Nov. º Dec. º CHANGE OF LONGITUDE IN INTERVALS OF MEAN TIME h º h º m º m º m º System III applies to the origin of radio emissions from the planet. See page 62 for a description. BAA Handbook 2018 Jupiter 61

64 LONGITUDE OF CENTRAL MERIDIAN OF JUPITER SYSTEM III DEFINITION Radio radiation from Jupiter at around 20MHz was discovered in It varies with the rotation of the planet and this is known as "System III". It is of interest because it indicates rotation beneath the cloud cover. Radio radiation emanates from the magnetosphere of Jupiter, and the rotation is due to the fact that the magnetic poles are not situated exactly at the poles of rotation. (The position of the satellite Io and the D E value are also significant for predicting "radio storms" from Jupiter.) In 1976 the IAU adopted a rotation for System III of degrees per day. More recent work suggested an improvement to , adopted in 2000 and used in recent BAA Handbooks. However subsequent analysis of data from Galileo gives a different value, consistent with and its implied accuracy but not with The IAU provisionally recommends that be used. SATELLITES OF JUPITER The satellites move from east to west across the face of the planet, and from west to east behind it. After conjunction with the Sun and before opposition, the shadow of Jupiter falls to the west, eclipse precedes occultation, and shadow transit precedes transit. After opposition, the order of phenomena is reversed, occultation preceding eclipse and transit preceding shadow transit. Both phases of eclipse (EcD and EcR) and of occultation (OcD and OcR) of satellites III and IV may be seen if not too near opposition. Satellite I is much closer to the planet, and eclipse and occultation merge into one, OcD being followed by EcR after opposition and before conjunction, while EcD is followed by OcR after conjunction and before opposition. Satellite II normally behaves in the same manner but on rare occasions the separate phenomena of II may be observed. This happens when the planet is near quadrature and is tilted at almost the maximum amount. On a few occasions all three of the inner satellites may be involved simultaneously in these phenomena. The motions of these three satellites are related in such a way that it is impossible for all three to undergo the same phenomenon at the same time. The Institut de Mécanique Céleste et de Calcul des Ephémérides supplies event timings in Terrestrial Time (TT). These have been converted to Universal Time (UT), closely, by subtracting one minute (see tables on p.67 76), since ΔT is just over one minute now. The times of phenomena are given for the centre of the satellite. The light of the satellite will therefore begin to fade before the times given here, and observation should commence several minutes before the predicted times. Charts are included for all 12 months of the year, even though Jupiter will be in conjunction with the Sun on November 26, and therefore not observable for a few weeks either side of this date. For all charts the satellites are labelled: I Io II Europa III Ganymede IV Callisto 62 Satellites of Jupiter BAA Handbook 2018

65 SATELLITES OF JUPITER 2018 CONFIGURATION OF SATELLITES I IV January February March BAA Handbook 2018 Satellites of Jupiter 63

66 SATELLITES OF JUPITER 2018 CONFIGURATION OF SATELLITES I IV April May June 64 Satellites of Jupiter BAA Handbook 2018

67 SATELLITES OF JUPITER 2018 CONFIGURATION OF SATELLITES I IV July August September BAA Handbook 2018 Satellites of Jupiter 65

68 SATELLITES OF JUPITER 2018 CONFIGURATION OF SATELLITES I IV October November December 66 Satellites of Jupiter BAA Handbook 2018

69 ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS The times are for mid phenomena, i.e. for eclipses, the planet s shadow bisecting the satellite; for other events, Jupiter s limb bisecting the satellite or the satellite shadow. Abbreviations: January OcD and OcR EcD and EcR TrI and TrE ShI and ShE occultation disappearance and reappearance eclipse disappearance and reappearance transit ingress and egress shadow transit ingress and egress January Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. EcD EcR OcD OcR 1 III I II I I /7 II /7 I III I I II I /14 I /14 II I /16 III I II I I II I /23 III I II I I II /30 I III I II Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. ShI ShE TrI TrE 0 I II I I III II I I II I I II III I I II I I II III I /22 I /23 II I I II III I I /30 II I BAA Handbook 2018 Satellites of Jupiter 67

70 February ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS February Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. EcD EcR OcD OcR 2 I I II /6 I III I /8 II I I II I III I /15 II I I II I III /22 I II I I II I /28 III /1 I Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. ShI ShE TrI TrE 1 I II / 3 III I I II / 7 I I II /10 III I I II /14 I I II III I I II I I /24 II III I I II I March March Occultations and Eclipses Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. EcD EcR OcD OcR Date Sat. ShI ShE TrI TrE 1 II / 2 I I / 3 II I III II I I I /7 III II I I II / 9 I I II I III Satellites of Jupiter BAA Handbook 2018

71 ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS March cont'd Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. EcD EcR OcD OcR 11/12 II I III I II /17 I I /19 II I III I II /24 I I II I III I II I April Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. EcD EcR OcD OcR 1 I II I III I II I /9 I II I III I II I /16 I II March cont'd Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. ShI ShE TrI TrE 10 I I II I I II III I I II I I II /25 I /25 III I II I I II / 1 I April Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. ShI ShE TrI TrE 1 III I / 4 II I I II I III I II I I II I III I BAA Handbook 2018 Satellites of Jupiter 69

72 ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS April cont'd Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. EcD EcR OcD OcR 17 I /19 III I /20 II I I II I III I II I I II April cont'd Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. ShI ShE TrI TrE 18 II I I II I III /24 I II I I II I III May Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. EcD EcR OcD OcR 1/2 I III I II I I II I May Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. ShI ShE TrI TrE 1 I II I I / 6 II I III I Jupiter in Opposition to the Sun: 2018 May 9 d 1 h 70 Satellites of Jupiter BAA Handbook 2018

73 ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS May cont'd Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. OcD OcR EcD EcR 10 III I II I I II I III I II I I /22 II I III /25 I II I I II I /1 III /1 I May cont'd Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. TrI TrE ShI ShE 9 II I I II I III I II /17 I I II I III I II I I II I III I II I June June Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. OcD OcR EcD EcR 1 II I I II I I III II I I II I I Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. TrI TrE ShI ShE 1 I II I III I / 7 II I / 9 I II I III I /14 II BAA Handbook 2018 Satellites of Jupiter 71

74 ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS June cont'd Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. OcD OcR EcD EcR 15 III II /17 I I II I I III /23 II /24 I I II I I III /30 II June cont'd Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. TrI TrE ShI ShE 14 I I II I III I II I I II I /26 III I II I I July Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. OcD OcR EcD EcR 1 I I II I I III II I /10 I II I I /14 III II I July Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. TrI TrE ShI ShE 1 II / 2 I III I II I I II I III I II I I /16 II Satellites of Jupiter BAA Handbook 2018

75 ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS July cont'd Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. OcD OcR EcD EcR 16/17 I II I I /21 III II I I II I I III II I I /1 II July cont'd Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. TrI TrE ShI ShE 16 I III /18 I II I I II I III /25 I II I I II I III August Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. OcD OcR EcD EcR August Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. TrI TrE ShI ShE 1/2 I I III II I I II /9 I I III II I I II I I III II I I II I I II I / 8 III I II /10 I I II I /15 III I /17 II /17 I I II BAA Handbook 2018 Satellites of Jupiter 73

76 ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS August cont'd Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. OcD OcR EcD EcR 21 I II I /25 I /26 III II I I II I September Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. OcD OcR EcD EcR August cont'd Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. TrI TrE ShI ShE 20 I III I II I I II I III I II I September Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. TrI TrE ShI ShE 1 I / 2 I /2 II I /2 III II I I I III II I I II I / 9 I II I III II I I I III II I I II I I II I III /18 II /17 I I I /20 III II I I II I I II /25 I III I Satellites of Jupiter BAA Handbook 2018

77 ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS September cont'd Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. OcD OcR EcD EcR 25 I II I I II III September cont'd Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. TrI TrE ShI ShE 25 II I III I II I October October Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. OcD OcR EcD EcR Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. TrI TrE ShI ShE 1 I / 2 I /3 I II /4 II I I III I I II II /8 III I I I /10 I II II I I III I I II II III I I I I II II /18 I I III I I II /20 II III I I I I II II I /26 I III I I II II III I I I I II BAA Handbook 2018 Satellites of Jupiter 75

78 ECLIPSES, OCCULTATIONS AND TRANSITS Jupiter in conjunction with the Sun: 2018 November 26 d 7 h December Occultations and Eclipses Date Sat. EcD EcR OcD OcR 23 I II I III I II I I II I December Transits and Shadow Transits Date Sat. ShI ShE TrI TrE 22 III I /23 II I /26 I II I III I II I Satellites of Jupiter BAA Handbook 2018

79 SATURN Opposition: June 27 Conjunction: none 2018 Rings RA Dec. Mag Equat Polar Major Minor Diam. Diam. Axis Axis D E Δ h m º ' " " " " º au Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Description of the headings in the table can be found on page 20. BAA Handbook 2018 Saturn 77

80 LONGITUDE OF CENTRAL MERIDIAN OF SATURN SYSTEM I Day Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. º º º º º º º º º º º º CHANGE OF LONGITUDE IN INTERVALS OF MEAN TIME h º h º m º m º m º System I applies to all objects situated on or between the south component of the North Equatorial Belt and the north component of the South Equatorial Belt. 78 Saturn BAA Handbook 2018

81 LONGITUDE OF CENTRAL MERIDIAN OF SATURN SYSTEM II Day Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. º º º º º º º º º º º º CHANGE OF LONGITUDE IN INTERVALS OF MEAN TIME h º h º m º m º m º System II applies to all objects situated north of the south component of the North Equatorial Belt or south of the north component of the South Equatorial Belt. However System III is used more often for these regions. BAA Handbook 2018 Saturn 79

82 LONGITUDE OF CENTRAL MERIDIAN OF SATURN SYSTEM III Day Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. º º º º º º º º º º º º CHANGE OF LONGITUDE IN INTERVALS OF MEAN TIME h º h º m º m º m º System III also applies to all objects situated north of the south component of the North Equatorial Belt or south of the north component of the South Equatorial Belt. This longitude system is based upon the rotation period of the planet s magnetic field as defined by the International Astronomical Union. 80 Saturn BAA Handbook 2018

83 SATELLITES OF SATURN MIMAS, ENCELADUS AND TETHYS Mimas Enceladus Tethys Each fourth eastern elongation Each third eastern elongation Each second eastern elongation d h d h d h d h d h d h Jan Jul Aug Feb Mar Sep Apr Oct May Nov Dec Jun Jul Jan Jul Aug Feb Mar Sep Apr Oct Nov May Jun Dec Jan Jul Aug Feb Mar Sep Apr Oct May Nov Jun Dec Jul Note: For intervening eastern elongations add: Mimas 0 d 22.6 h or 1 d 21.2 h or 2 d 19.9 h Enceladus 1 d 08.9 h or 2 d 17.8 h Tethys 1 d 21.3 h BAA Handbook 2018 Satellites of Saturn 81

84 Dione Each second eastern elongation SATELLITES OF SATURN DIONE AND RHEA Rhea Each second eastern elongation d h d h d h d h d h d h Jan Apr Aug Jan May Sep May Jun Oct Feb Sep Feb Jul Nov Mar Jun Dec Oct Apr Aug Mar Sep Jul Nov Note: For an intervening eastern elongation add: Apr Dione 2 d 17.7 h Aug Rhea 4 d 12.4 h TITAN AND HYPERION Titan Hyperion E. Elong. Inf. Conj n W. Elong. Sup. Conj n E.Elong. W Elong. d h d h d h d h d h d h Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr May May Apr Apr Jun May May May Jun May Jul Jul Jun Jun Jun Aug Jun Aug Jul Jul Jul Sep Sep Jul Oct Oct Aug Aug Aug Aug Nov Nov Sep Sep Sep Sep Dec Dec Oct Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Position-angle and angular-distances can be obtained from JPL s Horizons web page at: (see page 114) 82 Satellites of Saturn BAA Handbook 2018

85 TITAN Saturn is not in conjunction with Sun during BAA Handbook 2018 Satellites of Saturn 83

86 IAPETUS Iapetus shows variations in brightness, and is always brighter at western elongation than at eastern. The diagrams show the apparent path of Iapetus relative to Saturn, the units being in seconds of arc. Conjunction of Saturn is indicated by the faint portion of the orbit path from Jan.1 to Jan.20 and from Dec.2 to Dec.31. E. Elong. Inf. Conj n. W. Elong. Sup. Conj n. d h d h d h d h Feb Mar Mar Apr May May Jun Jul Jul Aug Aug Sep Oct Oct Nov Dec Dec Satellites of Saturn BAA Handbook 2018

87 URANUS Uranus is at opposition on October 24, magnitude 5.7, diameter 3.7" BAA Handbook 2018 Uranus 85

88 NEPTUNE Neptune is at opposition on September 7, magnitude 7.8, diameter 2.4" 86 Neptune BAA Handbook 2018

89 Trans Neptunian & Scattered Disk Objects The list comprises the date, magnitude, geocentric position and apparent motion when at opposition in 2018, of the 25 most intrinsically bright objects known as of 2017 March 27. The sizes of the smaller objects listed are often speculative given that they are based on an estimated albedo only. If you wish to observe an object then go to the website of the Minor Planet and Comet Ephemeris Service at: Here you enter the date and the designation of the object(s) you wish to observe. Given the extreme distance of these objects, the geocentric position will be sufficiently accurate for any location on the Earth. Object Opposition Approx. Motion Number/Name Prov ID Date V H Diam. Δ RA Dec. Speed P km au h m º ' "/min º (136199) Eris 2003 UB313 Oct (134340) Pluto Jul (136472) Makemake 2005 FY9 Mar (136108) Haumea 2003 EL61 Apr * (90377) Sedna 2003 VB12 Nov (225088) 2007 OR10 Aug (90482) Orcus 2004 DW Feb (50000) Quaoar 2002 LM60 Jun FY27 Mar (174567) Varda 2003 MW12 Jun (55565) 2002 AW197 Feb (55636) 2002 TX300 Oct (202421) 2005 UQ513 Oct (229762) 2007 UK126 Dec UZ224 Nov (28978) Ixion 2001 KX76 Jun RR245 Oct RF43 Sep (208996) 2003 AZ84 Jan (20000) Varuna 2000 WR106 Jan (145452) 2005 RN43 Sep (303775) 2005 QU182 Oct (307261) 2002 MS4 Jul EZ51 May (120178) 2003 OP32 Sep *Haumea is asymmetric in shape being roughly 1940km x 1530km x 993km in size. BAA Handbook 2018 Trans-Neptunian Objects 87

90 DWARF PLANETS (134340) Pluto Pluto is at opposition, in Sagittarius, on July 12 at a mean visual magnitude of Its brightness varies little during the year, ranging in mean visual magnitude from 14.2 to Charts prepared using GUIDE 8.0. Stars down to magnitude 12.0 are shown. 88 Dwarf Planets BAA Handbook 2018

91 DWARF PLANETS (134340) Pluto Detailed charts around the time of opposition. Jun. 12 to Jul. 12 Jul. 12 to Aug. 12 The charts show stars down to magnitude 14. BAA Handbook 2018 Dwarf Planets 89

92 DWARF PLANETS ORBITAL ELEMENTS The geocentric data below have been extracted from the Minor Planet Center Ephemeris Service at: Equinox J2000, Epoch of the elements, JD , 2016 Jan TT No. Name a e i Node Peri. M au 1 Ceres Pluto Haumea Eris Makemake More information on asteroids and dwarf planets can be found on the website of the Asteroid and Remote Planets Section at: EPHEMERIDES The data below have been extracted from the Minor Planet Center Ephemeris Service at: Equinox J2000, Epoch of the elements, JD , 2017 Feb TT 1 Ceres 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Dwarf Planets BAA Handbook 2018

93 DWARF PLANETS Pluto 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Haumea 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Eris 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Makemake 2018 RA Dec. r Elong. V h m s ' " au au Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun BAA Handbook 2018 Dwarf Planets 91

94 COMETS The date of perihelion (T), perihelion distance (q), period (P) and the magnitude parameters H 1 and K 1 are given for each comet at perihelion in 2018, and also for those which are expected to be brighter than 14th magnitude during The brightest magnitude during 2018, with the approximate date and the elongation at this time are also given. Some periodic comets show a flat lightcurve with the comet at a similar brightness for over a month whilst others have a much more sharply defined maximum brightness. The relation between perihelion (q), aphelion (Q) and semi major axis (a) is: a = (Q + q)/2. If required, the mean daily motion (n, expressed in degrees) can be computed from: n = / (a 3/2 ). The period is given by Kepler s third law: P 2 = a 3 (where P is expressed in sidereal years and a in Astronomical Units). Magnitude parameters are from determinations by the BAA s Comet Section or from the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams; the magnitude is usually given by V = H (log Δ) + K 1 (log r), where Δ is the distance of the comet from Earth and r is its distance from the Sun, both in Astronomical Units. Note that some PC ephemeris programs require K 1 /2.5 to be entered rather than K 1. EPHEMERIDES Orbital elements and/or ephemerides are available at : Minor Planet Center : BAA Comet Section webpage Comet Orbit Home webpage : : JPL Small-Body Database Browser : CHARTS Reinder Bouma and Edwin van Dijk's astrosite Groningen has charts with suitable comparison stars for visual photometry of comets brighter than 10 th 11 th magnitude : The BAA s Computing Section website has charts for many comets, updated monthly: and also the ability to see which comets are visible on any night using "What s observable": Further information about the visibility of the brighter objects will be included in the 2017 December BAA Journal. The finder chart on page 93 shows the apparent path of comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann during P is visible annually and since 2014 it has been especially active, exhibiting 10 or more outbursts each year. The charts on page 96 show the path across the sky of comets 21P/Giacobinni-Zinner and 46P/ Wirtanen, which may reach naked eye brightness. 46P/Wirtanen is a special target for Pro-am observations in Comets BAA Handbook 2018

95 SCHWASSMANN-WACHMANN [29P] Opposition: September 9 BAA Handbook 2018 Comets 93

96 COMETS Comet T q P H 1 K 1 Date of Elong. Maximum peak at peak Brightness au years yy mm dd 2017 PANSTARRS C/2015 ER 61 May Johnson C/2015 V2 Jun Vales P/2010 H2 Sep Schaumasse 24P/ Nov Tsuchinshan 62P/ Nov Petriew 185P/ Jan LINEAR 197P/ Jan McNaught-Hughes 130P/ Jan Jacques C/2017 K6 Jan ATLAS C/2017 K4 Jan Smirnova-Chernykh 74P/ Jan McNaught 350P/ Jan Kowalski C/2016 Q4 Jan WISE 245P/ Feb Larson 250P/ Feb PANSTARRS C/2015 O1 Feb LINEAR 235P/ Mar PANSTARRS C/2017 K1 Mar NEAT 169P/ Apr PANSTARRS 282P/ Apr Lemmon C/2015 XY 1 Apr Wilson-Harrington 107P/ May du Toit 66P/ May Forbes 37P/ May PANSTARRS 253P/ May NEAT 240P/ May Kowal-Mrkos 143P/ May PANSTARRS C/2016 R2 May LONEOS 159P/ May LINEAR 187P/ May PANSTARRS P/2013 CU 129 Jun Swift-Gehrels 64P/ Jun Christensen 64P/ Jun Catalina P/2011 CR 42 Jun Gehrels 82P/ Jun LONEOS 267P/ Jul Arend-Rigaux 49P/ Jul PANSTARRS C/2016 N6 Jul Spacewatch 125P/ Aug Johnson 48P/ Aug Singer Brewster 105P/ Aug PANSTARRS C/2016 M1 Aug NEAT 243P/ Aug Comets BAA Handbook 2018

97 COMETS Comet (cont'd) T q P H 1 K 1 Date of Elong. Maximum peak at peak Brightness au years yy mm dd Giacobini-Zinner 21P/ Sep du Toit-Hartley 79P/ Sep Kearns-Kwee 59P/ Sep Elst-Pizarro 133P/ Sep Grigg-Skjellerup 26P/ Oct Catalina 300P/ Nov Stephan-Oterma 38P/ Nov Wirtanen 46P/ Dec LINEAR 247P/ Dec Tsuchinshan 60P/ Dec Shoemaker-Levy 137P/ Dec ODAS 198P/ Dec Catalina-PANSTARRS Dec (P/2013 R3) 2019 Spahr 171P/ Jan ATLAS C/2017 M4 Jan Taylor 69P/ Mar Schwassmann-Wachmann Mar P/ Gehrels 78P/ Apr Subject to outburst Note : Vales P/2010 H2 - this comet has not been seen since 2010 when it became visible following its outburst at that time. BAA Handbook 2018 Comets 95

98 COMETS 46P/Wirtanen 21P/Giacobini-Zinner 96 Comets BAA Handbook 2018

99 METEORS This diary includes all regular major and some of the more reliable minor streams. Radiant data (UT, Alt.) and twilight data are for observers at the standard latitudes 52 N and 35 S, on the Greenwich meridian. Moonrise and moonset may be determined from the data on pages Where two radiants are given for one shower, the first of the two listed in the table has been used for calculating the altitudes. All times are in UT. Normal limits are the dates between which the shower rates are normally greater than 25 per cent of the sporadic rate for the period. Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) is the probable hourly rate for a single experienced observer watching a clear sky with limiting magnitude 6.5 with the shower radiant at the zenith. To a first approximation, the observed hourly rate (OHR) is given by: OHR = ZHR sin α where α is the radiant elevation. Hence high rates cannot be expected if the radiant is low. Sky conditions can alter rates considerably and consequently observers should record the approximate naked eye limiting magnitude in the areas being watched during each observing session. The rates given are the maximum ones, and are only a guide in view of the inherent variability of showers. Twilight here is nautical, starting and ending when the Sun is 12 below the horizon. Telescopic Activity: If a number is given this is an approximate relative telescopic rate (sporadic rate = 1.0). If there is no entry the shower is deficient in faint meteors. However, many of the numbers are speculative. Observations using wide-field CCD imaging may help augment telescopic meteor work in the future. Radiant Daily Motion: Where available, these come from the Working List of Meteor Showers published by the IAU Meteor Data Center (MDC). Meteor radiants are not stationary because of the Earth s motion around the Sun. They move about one degree of ecliptic longitude per day. The daily motions should be applied to determine the radiant positions at dates other than maximum. The positions of several shower radiants at maximum have been revised following analysis of recent video meteor data by Alex Pratt, William Stewart and Leonard Entwisle. Special Notes for 2018: Bright moonlight has an adverse effect on meteor observing, and for about five days to either side of Full Moon, lunar glare swamps all but the brighter meteors. Visual observers may, however, minimize the effects of moonlight by positioning themselves so the Moon is behind them and hidden behind a wall or other suitable obstruction. Fortunately, in 2018, relatively few of the major showers are seriously affected by moonlight. The Quadrantids in early January will be affected by a waning gibbous Moon in Cancer, observations of the Eta Aquarids in early May will be hampered by a waning gibbous Moon in Sagittarius, the Orionids in mid-to-late October will be affected after maximum by bright moonlight, and observations of the Ursids in late December will be seriously hindered by a full Moon. There are many excellent observing opportunities in The April Lyrids are best observed after midnight, by which time the first quarter Moon will have set. The complex of showers which peak in late July, e.g. the Capricornids, early Delta Aquarids and Piscis Australids are not well placed with respect to the Moon this year, but those reaching maximum in early August, e.g. late Delta Aquarids, Alpha Capricornids and Iota Aquarids will be observable in darker skies. The Perseids are ideally placed this year with the main period of activity before and after the peak observable in moonless skies. Apart from the late Orionids, conditions for the major autumn showers are also very favourable in The Taurids in late October/early November, the Leonids in mid-november and the Geminids in mid-december are all observable without moonlight interfering. This year's "wild card" entry, the Draconids on October 8/9, coincide with New Moon but rates are expected to be low - only meteors per hour - because the Earth passes too far from most of the dust trails laid down by the parent comet. However, unexpected outbursts in activity are always possible and observations of this shower will be very important in It is hoped that observers will make a particular effort to take advantage of the favourable observing conditions throughout As always, observations away from the major shower maxima and of year-round sporadic activity are every bit as important to the work of the Association s Meteor Section as those obtained when high rates are anticipated. BAA Handbook 2018 Meteor Diary 97

100 λ Epoch METEORS Radiant Position Maximum Daily Motion Local Time Normal Telescopic Shower (2000.0) Maximum Limits ZHR R.A. Dec. R.A. Dec. of Transit Activity at Max. hh:mm ( ) h Quadrantids Jan. 3 d 21 h Jan (230) Virginids 022 Apr Mar-Apr Apr :04 (211) 13:36 (204) 09 11?? Lyrids 032 Apr. 22 Apr :08 (272) η Aquarids 45 May 5-6 Apr. 24- May :30 (338) α-scorpiids Apr. 28 May 12 Apr. 20- May :31 (248) 16:04 (241) Ophiuchids Jun. 10 Jun. 20 May 19-July 5 17:56 (269) 17:20 (260) α-cygnids Jul. 21 Aug. 21 Jul.-Aug. 5 21:00 (315) +48? Capricornids δ-aquarids Jul. 9 Jul. 16 Jul. 26 Jul. 29 Aug. 6 Jul.-Aug. 5 20:44 (311) 15 Jul.15- Aug (339) (346) Piscis Australids 128 Jul. 31 Jul. 15- Aug (340) -30? 2.1 α-capricornids 130 Aug. 2-3 Jul. 15- Aug :36 (309) ι-aquarids 134 Aug. 6 Jul.-Aug. 8 22:10 (333) 22:04 (331) ? Perseids Aug 13 d 01 h Jul. 23- Aug (048) Piscids Draconids Sep. 9 Sep. 21 Oct. 13 Sep.-Oct. 10 5? 00:36 (009) 00:24 (006) 01:44 (026) ? Oct. Oct ? (263) d 23 h -00 h Orionids 209 Oct Oct (096) Taurids (S) 223 (N) 230 Nov. 5- Nov. 12 Oct. 20- Nov :33 (056) 03:54 (059) ? Leonids Nov. 18 d 01 h Nov ? (154) ? 6.5 Puppids-Velids Dec. 9- Dec. 26 Nov. 27-Jan (135) (140) 48 65? 6.4 Geminids Dec. 14 d 08 h Dec (113) Ursids 271 Dec Dec ? (217) ? Meteor Diary BAA Handbook 2018

101 Date METEORS Latitude 52 N Latitude 35 S Twilight Radiant Twilight Radiant Age of Moon Ends Begins UT Alt. Ends Begins UT Alt. d h h h h h h Jan Apr Apr May Apr. 28 May 12 Jun. 10 Jun. 20 Jul. 21 Aug. 21 Jul. 9 Jul. 16 Jul. 26 Jul. 29 Aug Jul Aug Aug Aug Sep. 9 Sep. 21 Oct Oct Oct Nov. 5 Nov Nov Dec. 9 Dec Dec Dec BAA Handbook 2018 Meteor Diary 99 Notes Blue and yellow meteors. Diffuse radiant except at peak. High rates in Unfavourable The two most prominent of several radiants in Virgo, active March-April. Slow, long paths. Normally rather moderate activity, but fine displays in 1803, 1922, Very favourable. Fine southern shower, poorly seen from the UK. Broad maximum and multiple radiant. Telescopic peak λ =042. Part of the Scorpio-Sagittarius complex. Several weak radiants. April-July. Weak activity from several radiants. Best for southern observers. Weak, apparently stationary radiant producing steady activity throughout northern summer. Bright yellow-blue meteors. May have three maxima and multiple radiant. Favourable in the first half of July. Fine southern shower with double radiant. S. component is the richer. Meteors tend to be faint. Southern shower in need of observation. Unfavourable. Maxima at λ =123, 129, 137. Long, slow fireballs are often seen. Rich in faint meteors. Double radiant. Favourable. Rich shower of fast meteors. High proportion of bright events leaving persistent trains. Very favourable Another multiple-radiant ecliptic complex with low rates. Periodic shower connected with 21P/Giacobini- Zinner. Only weak activity expected. Very favourable Fast meteors, many with persistent trains. Flat maximum, with several sub-peaks. Good in Unfavourable. Slow meteors. Double radiant. Broad peak λ = Sometimes more fireballs, as in Favourable. Very fast meteors, many with persistent trains. Enhanced activity unlikely until the late 2020s, but observations still important. Favourable. Two of several radiants in Puppis, Vela and Carina from November to January Richest of the annual showers, with slow meteors and a good proportion of bright events. Favourable. Under-observed shower which has produced outbursts in 1945, 1982, 1986 and in Unfavourable.

102 VARIABLE STARS Heliocentric Times of Primary Minima RZ Cassiopeiae: Magnitude 6.2 to 7.7, Duration 4.8 hours h h h h h h Jan 2 3.9* Feb 1 1.0* Mar Apr May Jun * 3 0.0* * * * * * 7 0.5* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec * * * * 4 3.6* 4 0.7* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minima marked with an asterisk (*) are favourable from the British Isles, taking into account the altitude of the variable and the distance of the Sun below the horizon (based on longitude 0 and latitude 52 N). Heliocentric times must be UTC corrected for the light time to the Sun. To calculate this, use the program on the Computing Section website Variable Stars BAA Handbook 2018

103 VARIABLE STARS b Persei (Algol): Magnitude 2.1 to 3.4, Duration 9.6 hours h h h h h h Jan Feb Mar * Apr May Jun * * * * * * * * * Jul Aug Sep Oct 1 1.3* Nov Dec 3 3.2* * * * * * * * * * * RS Canum Venaticorum 7.9 to 9.1, Duration 13 hours h h h h h h Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun * * * * * Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec * BAA Handbook 2018 Variable Stars 101

104 MIRA STARS Approximate dates of maxima and minima for Mira stars on the programme of the BAA Variable Star Section, together with (usually) the mean visual range, period, and fraction of the period taken in rising from minimum to maximum for each star. The predictions, which are subject to inevitable uncertainty, use data from the American Association of Variable Star Observers. Star Range Period Max Min Date of Max. Date of Min. Max Min Period d R And Jul./Aug. Feb./Mar. W And Feb./Mar. Oct. RW And Sep./Oct. R Aqr Jun./Jul. Jan. R Aql Aug. Apr. UV Aur* Sep./Oct. Apr./May V Cam Dec./2019 Jan. Jul./Aug. X Cam Feb.,Jul., Nov./Dec. Apr./May, Sep. SU Cnc* 10.5 [ Feb.,Aug. May/Jun., Nov./Dec. U CVn Jul. Mar. RT CVn* 9.9 [ May Jan./Feb., Sep./Oct. S Cas Jun. T Cas Jun./Jul. - ο Cet Jan., Nov./Dec. Jul./Aug. R Com Aug. Mar./Apr. S CrB Aug. Apr. V CrB Oct. May W CrB Jul. Mar./Apr., Nov. R Cyg May - S Cyg Aug. Mar. V Cyg Apr./May Dec. χ Cyg Dec. Jun./Jul. T Dra Jul./Aug. Jan./Feb. RU Her Jun. SS Her Jan./Feb., May, Mar./Apr, Jul., Aug./Sep., Oct./Nov Dec./2019 Jan. R Hya Oct. Apr. SU Lac* 10.3 [ Sep./Oct. May/Jun. RS Leo* 9.7 [ Jun./Jul. Apr./May, Nov./Dec. W Lyn May Jan., Oct./Nov. X Lyn May/Jun. Jan., Nov./Dec. X Oph Mar./Apr. Aug./Sep. U Ori Apr./May Dec. R Ser Jun./Jul. Jan./Feb. T UMa Feb., Oct./Nov. Jul. * Extreme range is given [ Fainter than Approximately 102 Variable Stars BAA Handbook 2018

105 VARIABLE STAR OF THE YEAR Variable Star of the Year VV Cephei VV Cep is a red supergiant star that varies in an irregular/semi-regular manner over a small range (roughly 4.9 to 5.4 in V but a little fainter visually due to its red colour) but also at 20 year intervals eclipses a fainter blue companion. The blue star is at magnitude 7.0V and is normally 1.7 magnitude fainter than the red star in V so the eclipse depth is only 0.2 magnitude in V. In B however the eclipse depth is much greater in the order of 0.8 magnitude due to the components being roughly equal in brightness. VV Cep is the brightest eclipsing binary to contain a red supergiant star and also has one of the longest known orbital periods. The mid-point of the next eclipse is in June 2018 with the eclipse due to commence in August Spectra taken by Cannon in 1907 & 1908 indicated HD to be a Mira star candidate but examination of photographic plates revealed only a limited variation range of 0.5 magnitude. Visual observations by Wendell in 1908 found an even smaller range in the order of 0.25 magnitude. Although clearly not a Mira HD received the official variable star designation of VV Cep in Following more striking variation noted by McLaughlin in 1936 Sergei Gaposchkin reviewed historical photometric, spectroscopic & radial velocity data which revealed the long term eclipsing nature of VV Cep. Eclipses had been recorded in 1896, 1916 & 1936 and Gaposchkin calculated the interval to be 7430 days with an eclipse duration of 490 days (450 days for totality). The photographic data showed a consistent eclipse depth of 0.8 magnitude but in visual light the corresponding drop was only 0.1 magnitude. Gaposchkin interpreted that the binary system consisted of two stars: 1) red component: 5.7vis, 7.4pg; and 2) blue component: 7.4vis, 7.3pg; and the eclipse occurred when the blue component was obscured by the red component. Both stars were super-massive giants and Gaposchkin s basic assessment of the system stands true today. There were eclipses observed in , and and the physical parameters of the system have been refined to the following: Both components are roughly 20 solar masses but that is where their similarities end. The cool red supergiant is spectral class M2Iab, between solar radii in size and with a temperature of 3800K. The hot blue star is spectral class B0-B2V and is much smaller at solar radii with a temperature of 25000K. The binary components are on average 25AU apart which is too great for significant mass transfer but there is wind interaction causing an accretion disk around the blue star. The system is 4900 light years distant. The next eclipse is predicted to be: 4 August 2017 : Eclipse commences 27 October 2017 : Totality commences 1 June 2018 : Mid eclipse 6 February 2019 : Totality ends 16 May 2019 : Eclipse ends The accompanying light curve (50 day means) compiled from NWAVSO visual observations illustrate the shallow (0.2 magnitude) fade recorded during the eclipse which appeared to last 650 days. The accompanying chart includes a sequence for visual observers to use to monitor the variation of the red supergiant in addition to the smaller variation caused by the eclipse of the blue star. Due to its small range of variation VV Cep is more suited to DSLR and CCD camera work especially in U and B. Recommended comparison stars are (both identified on the chart): 20 Cep: U=8.46, B=6.68, V= Cep: U=4.33, B=5.17, V=5.11 (also labelled as comparison C) Measurements prior to and after the eclipse that show the variations outside of the eclipse will help to interpret any variation recorded during the eclipse. Spectroscopic measurements outside of and during the eclipse are also encouraged and will help in particular in interpreting the physics of the accretion disk around the blue star. Useful guidance on undertaking spectroscopy of VV Cep is given in the web-page referenced below. VV Cep lies in a rich Milky Way field occupying a central position within the diamond of Cepheus and at nearly 64 degrees north it is circumpolar from the British Isles. An international campaign has been launched to study the eclipse of VV Cep and details can be found here: BAA Handbook 2018 Variable Stars 103

106 VV CEPHEI LIGHT CURVE 104 Variable Stars BAA Handbook 2018

107 VV CEPHEI FINDER CHART BAA Handbook 2018 Variable Stars 105

108 EPHEMERIDES OF VISUAL BINARY STARS Inspection of the two point ephemeris will indicate whether a pair is closing, relatively static, or opening up, and whether motion is direct or retrograde. A fast mover of long period is probably near periastron, while a slow mover of short period is likely to be near apastron. The orbital elements employed for the computation are those published in the Sixth Catalog of Orbits of Visual Binary Stars, by William I. Hartkopf and Brian D. Mason, U.S. Naval Observatory: Star Name ADS RA Dec. Mags. Period PA Dist. PA Dist. h m y 85 Peg OΣ λ Cas β η Cas And Howe Dunlop Σ α Psc Ari Σ h ι Cas AB Σ α For Σ Tau OΣ Eri BC OΣ 77 AB Hu Ori η Gem OΣ Lyn AB Lyn α Gem Pup ζ Cnc AB ζ Cnc AB C β I δ Vel ε Hya AB C Σ ω Leo γ Sex γ Leo β Double Stars BAA Handbook 2018

109 EPHEMERIDES OF VISUAL BINARY STARS Star Name ADS RA Dec. Mags. Period PA Dist. PA Dist. h m y ξ UMa AB ι Leo BrsO OΣ Σ β γ Cen γ Vir Com I UMa A1609 AB CVn α Cen ζ Boo φ ξ Boo OΣ H Boo η CrB γ Lup π 2 UMi ξ Sco AB σ CrB AB λ Oph ζ Her Dra MlbO 4 AB BrsO Dra τ Oph Oph h OΣ ε1 Lyr AB ε2 Lyr CD γ CrA δ Cyg λ Cyg Aqr ε Equ AB τ Cyg μ Cyg Aqr Kr ζ Aqr AB π Cep β Peg BAA Handbook 2018 Double Stars 107

110 BRIGHT STARS FOR EPOCH Name RA Dec. V Name RA Dec. V h m s ' " h m s ' " α And α UMa β Cas* β Leo α Cas α Cru β Cet γ Cru* β And γ Cen α Eri β Cru* γ And ε UMa* α Ari ζ UMa α UMi* α Vir* α Per* ε Cen α Per η UMa η Tau β Cen* α Tau θ Cen β Ori α Boo α Aur* η Cen* γ Ori α Cen cg* β Tau α Lup* δ Ori* ε Boo ε Ori β UMi ζ Ori α CrB* κ Ori δ Sco α Ori* α Sco* β Aur* α TrA β CMa* ε Sco α Car* λ Sco* γ Gem α Oph α CMa θ Sco ε CMa γ Dra δ CMa ε Sgr α Gem α Lyr α CMi σ Sgr β Gem β Cyg ζ Pup α Aql γ Vel* γ Cyg ε Car* α Pav δ Vel α Cyg λ Vel* α Cep β Car ε Peg* ι Car* β Gru α Hya α Gru* α Leo α PsA γ Leo β Peg* β UMa α Peg * = Variable star = Double star Note: double star co ordinates refer to the brighter component, but magnitude refers to the combined light. 108 Bright Stars BAA Handbook 2018

111 ACTIVE GALAXIES Object RA Dec. Const. Type V* U.2000 (2000.0) Chart No. h m 3C 66A And BL Lac NGC Per Seyfert C 120 (BW Tau) Tau BL Lac S Cam BL Lac OJ Cnc BL Lac Markarian UMa BL Lac NGC CVn Seyfert W Comae Com BL Lac C Vir Quasar C Vir Quasar BL Lacertae Lac BL Lac *Approximate range FINDER CHARTS FOR ACTIVE GALAXIES Charts for all of the active galaxies listed above have been included in previous BAA Handbooks and are listed below. Object BAA VSS Chart Handbook Year 3C 66A NGC BW Tau S OJ Markarian NGC W Com C C BL Lac Direct links to individual BAA VSS charts for the Active Galaxies can be found in a more detailed table of these galaxies, on the Computing Section website at: BAA Handbook 2018 Active Galaxies 109

112 TIME Universal Time (UT, Greenwich Mean Time beginning at midnight) is used generally throughout the Handbook. Terrestrial Time (TT) is the uniform time system used in computing the ephemerides of the bodies of the Solar System. TT is currently ahead of UT by a small amount ΔT which must be determined by observations; thus TT = UT + ΔT The value of ΔT for July 2018 is estimated to be about 70.4 seconds. Greenwich Mean Astronomical Time (GMAT), or Greenwich Mean Time beginning at noon, was in use before 1925 January 1, and many astronomical records prior to that date are referred to this system. To convert UT to GMAT subtract 12 hours, and to convert GMAT to UT add 12 hours. Greenwich Sidereal Time (GST) is given in the table below at 0 h UT. It may be obtained with sufficient accuracy for setting the circles of a telescope at any other time by adding 3.94 minutes for every complete day after a tabulated date, together with the correction, ΔT, for parts of a day from the table which follows: Time ΔT Time ΔT Time ΔT Time ΔT h m h m h m h m m m m m For greater accuracy (±0.2 S ) use the equation : GST (at 0 h UT) = ' h h d where d is the number of days from January 0. The tabulated sidereal time is actually the mean sidereal time. The difference between mean and apparent sidereal time is never more than about 1.2 seconds. Local Sidereal Time (LST) and Local Hour Angle (LHA) are found from LST = GST + λ LHA = LST RA Where λ is the longitude, expressed in time, measured positive eastwards from Greenwich. The Julian Date, in which the day begins at noon, is used in accurate computing work and is given in the table on p.111. The Sun s Longitude is used as a measure of time in meteor work. It may be interpolated from the table on p Time BAA Handbook 2018

113 TIME Julian Sun's Long. Julian Sun's Long Date GST Date GST h m 2458 h m Dec Jul Jan Aug Feb Mar Sep Apr Oct May Nov Jun Dec The precession in longitude from to is and from to is BAA Handbook 2018 Time 111

114 ASTRONOMICAL AND PHYSICAL CONSTANTS Gaussian gravitational constant Astronomical unit (au) 149,597,870,700 metres Speed of light in vacuo 299, km s 1 Dynamical form factor J2 for the Earth Product of gravitational constant and mass of the Earth 398,600.5 km 3 s 2 Earth Moon mass ratio Moon s sidereal mean motion x10 6 radians s 1 = " s 1 Obliquity of the ecliptic (2000) 23 26' " Constant of nutation in obliquity (2000) " Solar parallax " Light time for unit distance s = d Constant of aberration " Mean distance Earth to Moon 384,400 km Constant of sine Moon s parallax " Lunar inequality " Parallactic inequality " Length of the year: Tropical (equinox to equinox) d Sidereal (fixed star to fixed star) d Anomalistic (apse to apse) d Eclipse (Moon s node to Moon s node) d Gaussian (Kepler s law for a = 1) d Length of the month: Tropical (equinox to equinox) d Sidereal (fixed star to fixed star) d Anomalistic (apse to apse) d Draconic (node to node) d Synodic (New Moon to New Moon) d Length of the day: Mean solar day 24 h 03 m s = d mean sidereal time Mean sidereal day 23 h 56 m s = d mean solar time Sidereal rotation period of the Earth 23 h 56 m s = d mean solar time Solar radiation: Solar constant x 10 3 J m 2 s 1 Radiation emitted 3.84 x J s 1 Radiation emittance at surface 6.32 x 10 7 J m 2 s 1 Total internal radiant energy 2.8 x J Radiation emitted per unit mass x 10 4 J s 1 kg 1 Visual absolute magnitude (M v ) Colour indices (B V, U B) +0.65, Spectral type G2V Effective temperature 5,800 K 112 Astronomical and Physical Constants BAA Handbook 2018

115 ASTRONOMICAL AND PHYSICAL CONSTANTS The Galaxy: Pole of galactic plane (2000) 12 h 51 m s, δ ' 42.0" Point of zero longitude (2000) 17 h 45 m s, δ 28 56' 10.2" Galactic Longitude of North Celestial Pole (2000) Mass 1.1 x solar masses = 2.2 x kg Average density 0.1 solar mass pc 3 = 7 x kg m 3 Diameter 25,000 pc Thickness 4,000 pc Distance of Sun from centre 8,200 pc Distance of Sun above galactic plane 24 ±6 pc Solar apex (2000) (from radio astronomy) RA 18 h 03.8 m, Dec ' Solar motion (from bright stars) 19.7 km s 1 Period of revolution of Sun about centre 2.2 x 10 8 yr Conversion factors: Light year (ly) x km = 63,240 au = pc Parsec (pc) x km = 206,265 au = ly Figure of the Earth: Equatorial radius 6,378,136.6 m Polar radius 6,356,751.9 m Flattening * ρ sin φ' = S sin φ, ρ cos φ' = C cos φ where: S = cos 2φ (210 cos 4φ h) C = cos 2φ (212 cos 4φ h) ρ = cos 2φ 10 8 (352 cos 4φ 15.7 h) cos 6φ tan φ' = [ (0.11 x 10 8 h)] tan φ φ φ' = " sin 2φ 1.16" sin 4φ 1 of latitude = [ cos 2 φ cos 4φ] km 1 of longitude = [ cos φ cos 3 φ cos 5φ] km Acceleration due to gravity g = [ sin 2 φ sin 2 2φ (31.55 x 10 8 ) h] m s 2 Length of seconds pendulum l = [ cos 2φ cos 4φ (3133 x ) h] m Constant of gravitation x kg 1 m 3 s 2 Centennial general precession p = " " T * φ = Geographic or geodetic latitude ρ = Geocentric distance in equatorial radii φ' = Geocentric latitude T = Time measured in Julian centuries from J h = Height in metres BAA Handbook 2018 Astronomical and Physical Constants 113

116 INTERNET RESOURCES The following internet resources may be of interest to Handbook users. Mention here does not imply that the BAA sanctions the contents of these web pages. Web addresses can change and sites may not always be available. BAA Section home pages can be accessed from the BAA home page (see back cover). BAA Computing Section website Iau Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams (main page) Astronomical data and catalogues Centre de Données Astronomiques de Strasbourg National Space Science Data Center (USA) Astronomical Data Archives Center (Japan) The Sun, eclipses and space weather SOHO web site Solar Terrestrial Dispatch Aurorae Space Weather Prediction Center Space Weather NASA Eclipse Home Page Eclipses and Transits Eclipse maps Eclipse weather Lunar phases Lunar Terminator Visualisation Tool (LTVT) Solar system bodies Jet Propulsion Laboratory HORIZONS System HORIZONS Web-Interface JPL HORIZONS tutorial (As of 2017 August 12, access to solar-system data and highly accurate ephemerides for asteroids, 3478 comets, 178 planetary satellites, 8 planets, the Sun, L1 and L2 points, spacecraft, and system barycentres.) Comet and meteor information Latest IAU comet ephemerides Weekly Information about Bright Comets Comets International Meteor Organisation Minor planets (asteroids) IAU Minor Planet Center Lowell Observatory Solar System Dynamics on-line Tools Near Earth Object Confirmation page Timing occultations and other dynamical events IOTA Europe IOTA USA and rest of world General information European asteroid occultation resource and results Internet Resources BAA Handbook 2018

117 body. Further details INTERNET RESOURCES Recent supernovae Variable star information AAVSO BAA Variable Star Section General Catalogue of Variable Stars Artificial satellite visibility Heavens Above Atmospheric phenomena Noctilucent cloud observers Equipment reviews Excelsis Astronomical and space news Astronomy Now Sky and Telescope ESO Space.com NASA ESA Science Daily Dark Skies BAA Commission for Dark Skies International Dark-Sky Association Astronomy Picture of the Day Time The Astronomer (main page) GREEK ALPHABET α alpha β beta γ gamma δ delta ε epsilon ζ zeta η eta θ theta ι iota κ kappa λ lamda μ mu ν nu ξ xi ο omicron π pi ρ rho σ sigma τ tau υ upsilon φ phi χ chi ψ psi ω omega BAA Handbook 2018 Internet Resources and Greek Alphabet 115

118 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Handbook would not be possible without the work of its many data contributors : Andrew Sinclair contributed the diagrams showing the visibility of planets and their appearances and also data and diagrams for Saturn's satellites. Barry Leggett supplied data for Jovian satellite eclipses and transits. Des Loughney provided heliocentric times of primary minima of variable stars. Fred Espenak (previously of the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) for his Eclipse charts. John Isles contributed the data on Mira stars. John Mason provided the meteor data. John Toone provided data on active galaxies and with Gary Poyner, provided data for variable stars and for the variable star of the year. Jonathan Shanklin provided data on comets. Ken Hall provided lunar libration data. Richard Miles provided data for asteroids, near earth objects, trans neptunian and dwarf planets, and diagrams for Pluto. Asteroid Favourable Observing Opportunities data were prepared by him, using data from the MPCORB database by Brian D. Warner; Alan W. Harris (MoreData! Inc.); and Petr Pravec (Astronomical Institute, Ondrejov, Czech Republic). Richard Kaye provided the System III Jupiter data, using a program written by himself. Robert Mackenzie provided the start dates for Carrington rotations. Susan Stewart of the United States Naval Observatory provided the bright stars positional data. Tim Haymes provided lunar occultation data and, with Edwin Goffin and Eberhard Riedel (International Occultation Timing Association), the tables and maps for asteroid occultations and grazing lunar occultations. Mike Kretlow for use of his asteroid and TNO database of current predictions. Steve Bell (Her Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office) provided various data. Steve Preston for his global updates on asteroidoccultations.com Tony Evans provided data for Mercury, Venus and Mars. William Thuillot (Institut de Mécanique Céleste et de Calcul des Ephémérides) supplied the diagrams of Jupiter s satellites. Contributors have checked their own and others contributions and their comments have greatly improved the Handbook. The Editor gratefully acknowledges contributors support in answering any queries, and the many proof readers for their assistance. Any data not mentioned above have been provided by the Computing Section. STEVE HARVEY Director Handbook 2017 ERRATA p.7 Carrington Rotation Number, the value for Dec should be "2198" and not "2185" 116 Acknowledgements & Errata BAA Handbook 2018

119 The British Astronomical Association The British Astronomical Association was founded in 1890 and now has about 3,000 members. Its leading features are: Membership Open to all persons interested in astronomy. Objectives (1) The organisation of observers, including those using small telescopes or binoculars, for mutual help. (2) The analysis and publication of observations. (3) The circulation of current astronomical information. (4) The encouragement of a popular interest in astronomy. Methods (1) The organisation of members in sections under experienced directors. (2) The publication of a Journal, Newsletters, a Handbook, Circulars and Bulletins. (3) The holding of meetings. (4) The maintenance of a collection of astronomical instruments for loan to members. (5) The affiliation of schools and societies. Annual Subscriptions These are due August 1 each year. Current rates are available from the Office. MEETINGS Meetings are held at approximately monthly intervals, excluding July and August. Many are in London on either Wednesdays (starting at 17.30) or Saturdays (starting at 14.30). Meetings are also held at venues around the country. A very popular weekend meeting is held near Winchester in the spring and an Exhibition is normally held evey two years in June. Back to Basics meetings for beginners are held outside London each year, usually in March and October. Observers workshops are also held twice per year. Many observing sections hold meetings every few years, some annually. Full details of the current programme are available from the office and the website. PUBLICATIONS The principal publications are the Journal and the Handbook. In addition, e mailed bulletins, paper circulars and section newsletters are available to members. The Journal is published six times a year. It contains reports of meetings, reports of the sections, papers, reviews, letters, images and notes on current astronomical news. The complete set of Journals from 1890 is available on DVD. Occasional longer Memoirs containing detailed section reports. This Handbook, prepared by the Computing Section, is published annually. The e bulletins/circulars give early information on new and predicted events such as planetary phenomena and the discovery of novae and comets. The complete set of Circulars is available on CD. REGISTERED OFFICE The Registered Office of the Association is at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0DU. office@britastro.org Telephone Hours are to 17.00, Monday to Friday.

120 The BAA on the Internet BAA Home Page This website contains information about the BAA and how to become a member; it gives details about the meetings, publications and merchandise for sale. There is a members only area, plus links to pages maintained by the Observing Sections. You can find news items, data on new comets, asteroid occultations and other topical events, plus photo galleries and links to many other sources of astronomical information. BAA Computing Section This website complements the Handbook by providing extra material for which there is not room in the Handbook. This includes : charts for many minor planets, calculational forms, graphical applications such as what is observable at any time and positions of satellites of major planets. Constant data that do not need to be printed every year in the Handbook together with links to other websites. BAA Journal Printed by Berforts Ltd. +44 (0)