Search within the "Journal for Occultation Astronomy" Index
JOA Volumes
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
Stellar Occultation by (136108) Haumea on 2026 May 4
JOA 2026, Vol. 16, No. 2, Page 3 Author(s): José Luis Ortiz, Yücel Kılıç, Mike KretlowAbstract: On 2026 May 4, the dwarf planet (136108) Haumea will occult a relatively bright (Gaia_G_= 14.7) star, producing one of the most favourable stellar occultation events by a trans-Neptunian object in the coming decade. The event is observable across large parts of Europe, Africa, and adjacent regions, with particularly strong prospects for coordinated campaigns in Europe and southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa). Recent high-angular-resolution observations reveal that the target star is a close binary (~0.12 arcs separation, Δm ≈ 3.1), implying that two distinct occultations will occur. This provides a unique opportunity to probe both Haumea’s main body and its ring system, as well as to refine its 3D shape, density, and possible hydrostatic equilibrium state. We encourage both professional and amateur astronomers to participate in a coordinated observing campaign.