2014•arXiv (Cornell University)Open access
Predicting Alpha Comae Berenices Time of Eclipse I: A 26 Year Binary will Eclipse within 2 weeks of 25 January 2015
Matthew W. Muterspaugh, Gregory W. Henry
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Abstract
The dwarf stars in the 26 year period binary Alpha Com are predicted to eclipse each other in early 2015. Simulations of randomly selected orbital parameters based on the most recently published orbital elements and uncertainties show the eclipse will happen within 3 days of MJD 57047 (January 25, 2015; 1 sigma; all simulations fall within 2 weeks of this) and will have a depth of several tenths of a magnitude. The eclipse will last between 28 and 45 hours, depending on the exact orbital parameters. Observers are encouraged to monitor this unique event.
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