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Occultation detection of a neptunian ring-like arc

Nature volume 319, pages 636–640 (1986)Cite this article

Abstract

The apparent closest approach of the star SAO186001 to Neptune was observed photoelectrically on 22 July 1984 at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory. A 32% signal drop lasting about 1.2 s was probably caused by a partially transparent arc of material at a distance of 67,000 km from Neptune. Neptune's arc(s) do not vary smoothly with azimuth, unlike the rings of other jovian planets.

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Author notes

  1. F. Vilas

    Present address: NASA/Johnson Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas, 77058, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA

    W. B. Hubbard & F. Vilas

  2. Université Paris VII, Observatoire de Paris, 92190, Meudon, France

    A. Brahic, B. Sicardy & F. Roques

  3. Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Casilla 603, La Serena, Chile

    L.-R. Elicer

Authors
  1. W. B. Hubbard
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  2. A. Brahic
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  3. B. Sicardy
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  4. L.-R. Elicer
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  5. F. Roques
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  6. F. Vilas
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Hubbard, W., Brahic, A., Sicardy, B. et al. Occultation detection of a neptunian ring-like arc. Nature 319, 636–640 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1038/319636a0

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