Photoelectric Observations of the Lunar Occultation of the Star SAO 79361 during a Total Lunar Eclipse

Abstract

The results of photoelectric observation of the occultation of the visual binary star SAO 79361 = ADS 6038 by the Moon during the total lunar eclipse of January 9, 1982 are presented. The upper limit of the angular diameter of the brighter component A is estimated to be d_ul ≃ 0.0011″ based on direct measurements, which is in agreement with indirect estimates. Accurate estimates for the magnitude difference between components A and B, their angular separation, p ≃ 3.2″, and the inclination of the Moon’s edge’s at the point of occultation to the mean lunar horizon, θ ≃ +25°, are obtained. The time of the geometrical occultation of the center of the stellar disk of component A is determined with an accuracy of 1 ms. The results obtained for this star are unique among observations worldwide.