Abstract
THE detection of a bright central spot1 during the occultation of ε Geminorum by Mars2 has demonstrated that an exponential planetary atmosphere can act as a lens with somewhat peculiar properties. In the course of a general study of certain wave-optical phenomena in planetary occultations, we have carried out an investigation into the diffraction nature of the central spot, which has not been previously considered in occultation theory. Some of the results are presented in this letter, along with implications for possible future experiments.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Elliot, J. L., French, R. G., Dunham, E., Gierasch, P. J., Veverka, J., Church, C. & Sagan, C. Astrophys. J. (1977) (in the press).
Taylor, G. E. Nature 264, 160–161 (1976).
Born, M. & Wolf, E. Principles of Optics (Pergamon, Oxford, 1965).
Young, P. J. Astron. J. 82, 75–78 (1977).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
HUBBARD, W. Wave optics of the central spot in planetary occultations. Nature 268, 34–35 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/268034a0
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/268034a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.