Health & Fitness
Watch a Star Disappear from the Sky
On Mar 20, just after 2:05am, the very bright star Regulus, in the constellation of Leo, will blink out for about 14 seconds, we think. This is because a small asteroid orbiting between Mars and Jupiter will be in the same area of the sky and, if current calculations are correct, will pass between us and the star, blocking it from our view. The star might wink in and out if the asteroid's shape is irregular or tumbling. Perhaps we can detect if it has a moon.
No special equipment is needed. If you have a view of the southern sky, about 40 degrees up from the horizon, you should be able to see it.
On Sun, Feb 23, a member of the International Occultation & Timing Association will be on LI to explain the whole thing and tell us how to perform a real science experiment that will help scientists learn more about this tiny rock in our sky, so far away.
Find out what's happening in East Meadowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Join us for this free program at Noon on Feb 23 at Hofstra University, Berliner Hall, California Ave, 2 blocks south of Hempstead Tpk, rm 117. This is a public oriented presentation.
