This update is based upon 28 astrometric positions of the asteroid (14 on March 12, plus the 14 used for updated #1 on March 11) obtained by Gordon Garradd at Loomberah Observatory, NSW. The HIPPARCOS position of the star has been used in the reduction.

Path Update:

• The eastward shift suggested by previous updates now appears certain; the current astrometry gives a path only about one path-width different to that of the USNO astrometry used in Update #2.
• Predicted appulse times remain 14h 44m for the NORTH ISLAND and 14h 47m for the SOUTH ISLAND. Formal time uncertainty is 40 seconds.

This update is based upon 18 astrometric positions of the asteroid alone taken by Ron Stone at USNO/Flagstaff and one position from Bill Owen at Table Mountain Observatory. Reductions are by Jan Manek using the HIPPARCOS star position.

Path Update:

• The eastward shift suggested in Update #1 is confirmed; the current astrometry gives a path about four path widths east of Goffin's nominal prediction with a time two minutes later than Goffin. Manek notes that the only land within the updated path is Samoa. Formal path uncertainty is TWO path-widths.
• Predicted event times are 14h 44m for the NORTH ISLAND and 14h 47m for the SOUTH ISLAND. Formal time uncertainty is 40 seconds.

This update is based upon 14 astrometric positions of the asteroid alone obtained on March 11 at Loomberah Observatory, NSW. Gordon comments that Fidelio was not very well placed, being outside the field of ACT stars but not by much; he feels the linear fit he has used should be reasonable. The HIPPARCOS position of the star has been used in the reduction.

Path Update:

• The updated occultation track has moved eastwards by several track widths;
• Predicted event times remain the same at 14h 42m for the NORTH ISLAND and 14h 45m for the SOUTH ISLAND.

IMPORTANT NOTE!

Astrometric updates such as these should not be taken as definitive, but rather only as an indication of where the true track may lie relative to the original predicted track. Observers must bear in mind that later astrometry, in which the target star is measured in the same field as the asteroid, may still reveal substantial changes to the predicted track and time of the event. For this reason it is most important that observers far from the predicted track still monitor the event.