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Occultation detection of a neptunian ring-like arc

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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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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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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/319636a0

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