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 |
The 2024 Oct 7 Stellar Occultation by the Trans-Neptunian Object (225088) Gonggong: Report of a Non-Observation
JOA 2026, Vol. 16, No. 2, Page 6 Author(s): Mike Kretlow, Karl-Ludwig BathAbstract: We report on a coordinated international observing campaign targeting a predicted stellar occultation by the trans-Neptunian object (225088) Gonggong on 2024 October 7. Despite extensive preparation, multiple astrometric refinements, and generally favourable observing conditions across a large geographic range, no unambiguous occultation was detected at any participating station. We summarise the scientific motivation, prediction updates, observational strategy, and results, and discuss plausible reasons for the negative outcome. This study highlights the continued challenges of predicting occultations by distant trans-Neptunian objects and underscores the scientific value of well-documented non-detections.