* Astronomy

Asteroids can be eclipsed by other bodies in the Solar System, but no direct observation of an asteroid eclipse has been reported to date. Researchers describe a statistical method to predict an eclipse for an asteroid based on the analysis of the orbital elements covariance matrix. By propagating a set of Virtual Asteroids to an epoch correspondent to a close approach with a Solar System planet or natural satellite, it is possible to estimate the probability of a partial or total eclipse.
The direct observation of an eclipse can provide data useful to improve the asteroid orbit, especially
for dim asteroids typically observed only for a few days.

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Asteroid 2005 YU128 could be eclipsed by the Earth or the Moon between 2006 January 1st, 5:30 UT and 12:00 UT.
Photometric/astrometric observations during this period could be used to improve the orbit of the asteroid, and better understand the underlying theory.

Date    TT    R. A. (2000) Decl.     Delta      r     Elong.  Phase     V
2006 01 01    06 53.54   +21 05.6    0.0289   1.012   177.2     2.7    17.8
2006 01 03    05 58.45   +28 39.6    0.0320   1.014   166.3    13.3    18.5