A grazing occultation of Jupiter 15 th July 2012

1. A grazing occultation of Jupiter15th July 2012 An invitation to a reckless adventure

2. The occultation • on Sunday morning, 15th July 2012, the moon moves in front of Jupiter and its moons (just after 3.00 a.m. BST) • a grazing occultation viewed from Milton Keynes

4. Meeus J. (2012) The grazing occultation of Jupiter on 2012 July 15. Journal of the British Astronomical Association 122: 31-32.

8. Reasons to do it • an amazing sight • a rare presentation for which we are very well placed • potential for useful results for a wider audience (publication in JBAA?) • developing our capabilities as a multi-skilled team • it’s a Sunday morning

9. Reasons not to do it

11. Reasons not to do it • low altitude • atmospheric problems • Jupiter rise is only 20 minutes earlier • we cannot use the observatory • equipment logistics • nautical twilight • the sun is only 11.5° below the horizon • it’s a Sunday morning

12. Planning • location • find decent NE horizon • inform landowners and police • simulate exactly what we will see once location is selected • which satellites will occult • moon configuration • decide what we want to do • viewing • timings • imaging • decide what equipment to take • organise equipment

14. What next? • decide: are we going to give it a go? • decide: what activities • decide: who coordinates • priority: find a site

15. notes only