Difference between revisions of "Occultation"
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Occultation
</dt>
The disappearance of a body behind another body of larger apparent size.
</dd>
When the moon passes between the observer and a star, the star is said
to be occulted. The three associated terms, occultation, eclipse, and transit,
are exemplified by the motions of the satellites of Jupiter. An eclipse occurs
when a satellite passes into the shadow cast by the planet; an occultation
occurs when a satellite passes directly behind the planet; so that it could
not be seen even if it were illuminated; and a transit occurs when a satellite
passes between the observer and the planet, showing against the disk of the
planet.
</dd>
References
This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use
