Context. Centaurs, distinguished by their volatile-rich compositions, play a pivotal role in understanding the formation and evolution of the early Solar System, as they represent remnants of the primordial material that populated the outer regions. Stellar occultations offer a means to investigate their physical properties, including shape and rotational state, and the potential presence of satellites and rings. Aims. This work aims to conduct a detailed study of the centaur (54598) Bienor through stellar occultations and rotational light curves from photometric data collected during recent years. Methods. We successfully predicted three stellar occultations by Bienor that were observed from Japan, Western Europe, and the USA. In addition, we organized observational campaigns from Spain to obtain rotational light curves. At the same time, we developed software to generate synthetic light curves from three-dimensional shape models, enabling us to validate the outcomes through computer simulations. Results. We resolved Bienor's projected ellipse for December 26, 2022; determined a prograde sense of rotation; and confirmed an asymmetric rotational light curve. We also retrieved the axes of its triaxial ellipsoid shape as a = (127 +/- 5) km, b = (55 +/- 4) km, and c = (45 +/- 4) km. Moreover, we refined the rotation period to 9.1736 +/- 0.0002 h and determined a geometric albedo of (6.5 +/- 0.5)%, which is higher than previously determined by other methods. Finally, by comparing our findings with previous results and simulated rotational light curves, we analyzed whether an irregular or contact-binary shape, an additional element such as a satellite, or significant albedo variations on Bienor's surface may be present.

Planetary rings are observed not only around giant planets1, but also around small bodies such as the Centaur Chariklo2 and the dwarf planet Haumea3. Up to now, all known dense rings were located close enough to their parent bodies, being inside the Roche limit, where tidal forces prevent material with reasonable densities from aggregating into a satellite. Here we report observations of an inhomogeneous ring around the trans-Neptunian body (50000) Quaoar. This trans-Neptunian object has an estimated radius4 of 555 km and possesses a roughly 80-km satellite5 (Weywot) that orbits at 24 Quaoar radii6,7. The detected ring orbits at 7.4 radii from the central body, which is well outside Quaoar’s classical Roche limit, thus indicating that this limit does not always determine where ring material can survive. Our local collisional simulations show that elastic collisions, based on laboratory experiments8, can maintain a ring far away from the body. Moreover, Quaoar’s ring orbits close to the 1/3 spin–orbit resonance9 with Quaoar, a property shared by Chariklo’s2,10,11 and Haumea’s3 rings, suggesting that this resonance plays a key role in ring confinement for small bodies. The authors report observations of a dense and inhomogeneous ring at a surprisingly large distance from the trans-Neptunian body Quaoar.

Context. Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) are considered to be among the most primitive objects in our Solar System. Knowledge of their primary physical properties is essential for understanding their origin and the evolution of the outer Solar System. In this context, stellar occultations are a powerful and sensitive technique for studying these distant and faint objects. Aims. We aim to obtain the size, shape, absolute magnitude, and geometric albedo for TNO (143707) 2003 UY117. Methods. We predicted a stellar occultation by this TNO for 2020 October 23 UT and ran a specific campaign to investigate this event. We derived the projected profile shape and size from the occultation observations by means of an elliptical fit to the occultation chords. We also performed photometric observations of (143707) 2003 UY117 to obtain the absolute magnitude and the rotational period from the observed rotational light curve. Finally, we combined these results to derive the three-dimensional shape, volume-equivalent diameter, and geometric albedo for this TNO. Results. From the stellar occultation, we obtained a projected ellipse with axes of (282 +/- 18) x (184 +/- 32) km. The area-equivalent diameter for this ellipse is D-eq,D-A = 228 +/- 21 km. From our photometric R band observations, we derived an absolute magnitude of H-V = 5.97 +/- 0.07 mag using V - R = 0.46 +/- 0.07 mag, which was derived from a V band subset of these data. The rotational light curve has a peak-to-valley amplitude of triangle m = 0.36 +/- 0.13 mag. We find the most likely rotation period to be P = 12.376 +/- 0.0033 hours. By combining the occultation with the rotational light curve results and assuming a triaxial ellipsoid, we derived axes of a x b x c = (332 +/- 24) km x (216 +/- 24) km x (180(-24)(+28)) km for this ellipsoid, and therefore a volume-equivalent diameter of D-eq,D-V = 235 +/- 25 km. Finally, the values for the absolute magnitude and for the area-equivalent diameter yield a geometric albedo of p(V) = 0.139 +/- 0.027.

We were able to accurately predict the shadow path and successfully observe an occultation of a bright star by Chiron on December 15, 2022. The Kottamia Astronomical Observatory in Egypt did not detect the occultation by the solid body, but we found three extinction features in the light curve that had symmetrical counterparts with respect to the central time of the occultation. One of the features is broad and shallow, whereas the other two features are sharper, with a maximum extinction of ∼25% at the achieved spatial resolution of 19 km per data point. From the Wise Observatory in Israel, we detected the occultation caused by the main body and several extinction features surrounding the body. When all the secondary features are plotted in the sky plane, we find that they can be caused by a broad ∼580 km disk with concentrations at radii of 325 ± 16 km and 423 ± 11 km surrounding Chiron. At least one of these structures appears to be outside the Roche limit. The ecliptic coordinates of the pole of the disk are λ = 151° ±8° and β = 18° ±11°, in agreement with previous results. We also reveal our long-term photometry results, indicating that Chiron had suffered a brightness outburst of at least 0.6 mag between March and September 2021 and that Chiron was still somewhat brighter at the occultation date than at its nominal pre-outburst phase. The outermost extinction features might be consistent with a bound or temporarily bound structure associated with the brightness increase. However, the nature of the brightness outburst is unclear, and it is also unclear whether the dust or ice released in the outburst could be feeding a putative ring structure or whether it is emanating from it.

Within our program of physical characterization of trans-Neptunian objects and centaurs, we predicted a stellar occultation by the centaur (54598) Bienor to occur on January 11, 2019, with good observability potential. We obtained high accuracy astrometric data to refine the prediction, resulting in a shadow path favorable for the Iberian Peninsula. This encouraged us to carry out an occultation observation campaign that resulted in five positive detections from four observing sites. This is the fourth centaur for which a multichord (more than two chords) stellar occultation has been observed so far, the other three being (2060) Chiron, (10199) Chariklo, and (95626) 2002 GZ32. From the analysis of the occultation chords, combined with the rotational light curve obtained shortly after the occultation, we determined that Bienor has an area-equivalent diameter of 150 ± 20 km. This diameter is ~30 km smaller than the one obtained from thermal measurements. The position angle of the short axis of the best fitting ellipse obtained through the analysis of the stellar occultation does not match that of the spin axis derived from long-term photometric models. We also detected a strong irregularity in one of the minima of the rotational light curve that is present no matter the aspect angle at which the observations were done. We present different scenarios to reconcile the results from the different techniques. We did not detect secondary drops related to potential rings or satellites. Nonetheless, similar rings in size to that of Chariklo's cannot be discarded due to low data accuracy.

Context. After the discovery of rings around the largest known Centaur object, (10199) Chariklo, we carried out observation campaigns of stellar occultations produced by the second-largest known Centaur object, (2060) Chiron, to better characterize its physical properties and presence of material on its surroundings. Aims. We aim to provide constraints on (2060) Chiron’s shape for the first time using stellar occultations. We investigate the detectability of material previously observed in its vicinity using the 2018 occultation data obtained from South Africa Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). Methods. We predicted and successfully observed two stellar occultations by Chiron. These observations were used to constrain its size and shape by fitting elliptical limbs with equivalent surface radii in agreement with radiometric measurements. We also obtained the properties of the material observed in 2011 with the same technique used to derive Chariklo’s ring properties in our previous works, used to obtain limits on the detection of secondary events in our 2018 observation. Results. Constraints on the (2060) Chiron shape are reported for the first time. Assuming an equivalent radius of R equiv = 105 −7 +6 km, we obtained a semi-major axis of a = 126 ± 22 km. Considering Chiron’s true rotational light curve amplitude and assuming it has a Jacobi equilibrium shape, we were able to derive a 3D shape with a semi-axis of a = 126 ± 22 km, b = 109 ± 19 km, and c = 68 ± 13 km, implying in a volume-equivalent radius of R vol = 98 ± 17 km. We determined the physical properties of the 2011 secondary events around Chiron, which may then be directly compared with those of Chariklo rings, as the same method was used. Data obtained from SAAO in 2018 do not show unambiguous evidence of the proposed rings, mainly due to the large sampling time. Meanwhile, we discarded the possible presence of a permanent ring similar to (10199) Chariklo’s C1R in optical depth and extension. Conclusions. Using the first multi-chord stellar occultation by (2060) Chiron and considering it to have a Jacobi equilibrium shape, we derived its 3D shape, implying a density of 1119 ± 4 kg m −3 . New observations of a stellar occultation by (2060) Chiron are needed to further investigate the material’s properties around Chiron, such as the occultation predicted for September 10, 2023.

We could accurately predict the shadow path and successfully observe an occultation of a bright star by Chiron on 2022 December 15. The Kottamia Astronomical Observatory in Egypt did not detect the occultation by the solid body, but we detected three extinction features in the light curve that had symmetrical counterparts with respect to the central time of the occultation. One of the features is broad and shallow, whereas the other two features are sharper with a maximum extinction of ∼25% at the achieved spatial resolution of 19 km per data point. From the Wise observatory in Israel, we detected the occultation caused by the main body and several extinction features surrounding the body. When all the secondary features are plotted in the sky plane we find that they can be caused by a broad ∼580 km disk with concentrations at radii of 325 ±16 km and 423 ±11 km surrounding Chiron. At least one of these structures appears to be outside the Roche limit. The ecliptic coordinates of the pole of the disk are λ = 151^∘ ± 8^∘ and β = 18^∘ ± 11^∘, in agreement with previous results. We also show our long-term photometry indicating that Chiron had suffered a brightness outburst of at least 0.6 mag between March and September 2021 and that Chiron was still somewhat brighter at the occultation date than at its nominal pre-outburst phase. The outermost extinction features might be consistent with a bound or temporarily bound structure associated with the brightness increase. However, the nature of the brightness outburst is unclear, and it is also unclear whether the dust or ice released in the outburst could be feeding a putative ring structure or if it emanated from it.

Context. The physical characterization of trans-Neptunian objects is essential for improving our understanding of the formation and evolution of our Solar System. Stellar occultation is a ground-based technique that can be successfully used to determine some of the TNOs’ fundamental physical properties with high precision, such as size and shape. Aims. This work is aimed at constraining the size, shape, and geometric albedo of the dwarf planet candidate (307261) 2002 MS4 through the analysis of nine stellar occultation events. Using multichord detection, we also study the object’s topography by analyzing the obtained limb and residuals between the observed chords and the best-fit ellipse. Metods. We predicted and organized the observational campaigns of nine stellar occultations by 2002 MS4 between 2019 and 2022, resulting in two single-chord events, four double-chord detections, and three events with between 3 and 61 positive chords. We derived the occultation light curves using differential aperture photometry, from which the star ingress and egress instants were calculated. Using 13 selected chords from the 8 August 2020 event, we determined the global elliptical limb of 2002 MS4. The best-fit ellipse, combined with the object’s rotational information from the literature, sets constraints on the object’s size, shape, and albedo. Additionally, we developed a new method to characterize the topography features on the object’s limb. Results. The global limb has a semi-major axis of a′ = 412 ± 10 km, a semi-minor axis of b′= 385 ± 17 km, and the position angle of the minor axis is 121° ± 16°. From this instantaneous limb, we obtained 2002 MS4’s geometric albedo of pV = 0.1 ± 0.025, using HV = 3.63 ± 0.05 mag and a projected area-equivalent diameter of 796 ± 24 km. Significant deviations from the fitted ellipse in the northernmost limb were detected from multiple sites, highlighting three distinct topographic features: one 11 km depth depression, followed by a 25−5+4 km height elevation next to a crater-like depression, with an extension of 322 ± 39 km and 45.1 ± 1.5 km deep. Conclusions. Our results indicate the presence of an object that is ≈138 km smaller in diameter than that derived from thermal data, possibly indicating the presence of a thus-far unknown satellite. However, within the error bars, the geometric albedo in the V-band is in agreement with the results published in the literature, even with the radiometric-derived albedo. This stellar occultation has allowed for the first multichord measurement of a large topography in a TNO.

We predicted, observed, and analyzed the multichord stellar occultation of the Second Gaia Data Release (Gaia DR2) source 3449076721168026624 (m$_v$ = 14.1 mag) by the plutino object 2003 VS$_2$ (hereafter, VS$_2$) on 2019 October 22. We also carried out photometric observations to derive the rotational light curve amplitude and rotational phase of VS$_2$ during the stellar occultation. Combining the results and assuming a triaxial shape, we derived the 3D shape of VS$_2$. Out of the 39 observatories involved in the observational campaign, 12 sites reported a positive detection; this makes it one of the best observed stellar occultations by a TNO so far. We obtained a rotational light curve amplitude of ${\Delta}$m = 0.264 $\pm$ 0.017 mag, a mean area-equivalent diameter of D$_{A_{eq}}$ = 545 $\pm$ 13 km, and a geometric albedo of 0.134 $\pm$ 0.010. The best triaxial shape obtained for VS$_2$ has semiaxes a = 339 $\pm$ 5 km, b = 235 $\pm$ 6 km, and c = 226 $\pm$ 8 km. The derived aspect angle is ${\theta}$ = 59${\deg} \pm$ 2${\deg}$ or its supplementary ${\theta}$ = 121${\deg} \pm$ 2${\deg}$, depending on the north-pole position. The spherical-volume equivalent diameter is D$_{V_{eq}}$ = 524 $\pm$ 7 km. If we consider large albedo patches on its surface, the semi-major axis of the ellipsoid could be ~10 km smaller. These results are compatible with the previous ones determined from the single-chord 2013 and four-chord 2014 stellar occultations and with the effective diameter and albedo derived from Herschel and Spitzer data. They provide evidence that VS$_2$'s 3D shape is not compatible with a homogeneous triaxial body in hydrostatic equilibrium, but it might be a differentiated body and/or might be sustaining some stress. No secondary features related to rings or material orbiting around VS$_2$ were detected.

Within our international program to obtain accurate physical properties of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) we predicted a stellar occultation by the TNO (38628) Huya of the star Gaia DR2 4352760586390566400 (mG = 11.5 mag.) for March 18, 2019. After an extensive observational campaign, we updated the prediction and it turned out to be favorable to central Europe. Therefore, we mobilized half a hundred professional and amateur astronomers, and the occultation was finally detected from 21 telescopes located at 18 sites. This makes the Huya event one of the best ever observed stellar occultation by a TNO in terms of the number of chords. We determine accurate size, shape, and geometric albedo, and we also provide constraints on the density and other internal properties of this TNO. The 21 positive detections of the occultation by Huya allowed us to obtain well-separated chords which permitted us to fit an ellipse for the limb of the body at the moment of the occultation (i.e., the instantaneous limb) with kilometric accuracy. The projected semi-major and minor axes of the best ellipse fit obtained using the occultation data are (a', b') = (217.6 $\pm$ 3.5 km, 194.1 $\pm$ 6.1 km) with a position angle of the minor axis P' = 55.2 $\pm$ 9.1 degrees. From this fit, the projected area-equivalent diameter is 411.0 $\pm$ 7.3 km. This diameter is compatible with the equivalent diameter for Huya obtained from radiometric techniques (D = 406 $\pm$ 16 km). From this instantaneous limb, we obtained the geometric albedo for Huya (p$\rm_V$ = 0.079 $\pm$ 0.004) and we explored possible 3D shapes and constraints to the mass density for this TNO. We did not detect the satellite of Huya through this occultation, but the presence of rings or debris around Huya is constrained using the occultation data. We also derived an upper limit for a putative Pluto-like global atmosphere of about p$_{\rm surf}$ = 10 nbar.

Context. A stellar occultation by Neptune’s main satellite, Triton, was observed on 5 October 2017 from Europe, North Africa, and the USA. We derived 90 light curves from this event, 42 of which yielded a central flash detection. Aims. We aimed at constraining Triton’s atmospheric structure and the seasonal variations of its atmospheric pressure since the Voyager 2 epoch (1989). We also derived the shape of the lower atmosphere from central flash analysis. Methods. We used Abel inversions and direct ray-tracing code to provide the density, pressure, and temperature profiles in the altitude range ~8 km to ~190 km, corresponding to pressure levels from 9 µbar down to a few nanobars. Results. (i) A pressure of 1.18 ± 0.03 µbar is found at a reference radius of 1400 km (47 km altitude). (ii) A new analysis of the Voyager 2 radio science occultation shows that this is consistent with an extrapolation of pressure down to the surface pressure obtained in 1989. (iii) A survey of occultations obtained between 1989 and 2017 suggests that an enhancement in surface pressure as reported during the 1990s might be real, but debatable, due to very few high S/N light curves and data accessible for reanalysis. The volatile transport model analysed supports a moderate increase in surface pressure, with a maximum value around 2005-2015 no higher than 23 µbar. The pressures observed in 1995-1997 and 2017 appear mutually inconsistent with the volatile transport model presented here. (iv) The central flash structure does not show evidence of an atmospheric distortion. We find an upper limit of 0.0011 for the apparent oblateness of the atmosphere near the 8 km altitude.

We predicted a stellar occultation of the bright star Gaia DR1 4332852996360346368 (UCAC4 385-75921) (m(V) = 14.0 mag) by the centaur 2002 GZ(32) for 2017 May 20. Our latest shadow path prediction was favourable to a large region in Europe. Observations were arranged in a broad region inside the nominal shadow path. Series of images were obtained with 29 telescopes throughout Europe and from six of them (five in Spain and one in Greece) we detected the occultation. This is the fourth centaur, besides Chariklo, Chiron, and Bienor, for which a multichord stellar occultation is reported. By means of an elliptical fit to the occultation chords, we obtained the limb of 2002 GZ(32) during the occultation, resulting in an ellipse with axes of 305 +/- 17 km x 146 +/- 8 km. From this limb, thanks to a rotational light curve obtained shortly after the occultation, we derived the geometric albedo of 2002 GZ(32) (p(V) = 0.043 +/- 0.007) and a 3D ellipsoidal shape with axes 366 km x 306 km x 120 km. This shape is not fully consistent with a homogeneous body in hydrostatic equilibrium for the known rotation period of 2002 GZ(32). The size (albedo) obtained from the occultation is respectively smaller (greater) than that derived from the radiometric technique but compatible within error bars. No rings or debris around 2002 GZ(32) were detected from the occultation, but narrow and thin rings cannot be discarded.

Context. Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Centaurs are remnants of our planetary system formation, and their physical properties have invaluable information for evolutionary theories. Stellar occultation is a ground-based method for studying these distant small bodies and has presented exciting results. These observations can provide precise profiles of the involved body, allowing an accurate determination of its size and shape.Aims. The goal is to show that even single-chord detections of TNOs allow us to measure their milliarcsecond astrometric positions in the reference frame of the Gaia second data release (DR2). Accurate ephemerides can then be generated, allowing predictions of stellar occultations with much higher reliability.Methods. We analyzed data from various stellar occultation detections to obtain astrometric positions of the involved bodies. The events published before the Gaia era were updated so that the Gaia DR2 stellar catalog is the reference, thus providing accurate positions. Events with detection from one or two different sites (single or double chord) were analyzed to determine the event duration. Previously determined sizes were used to calculate the position of the object center and its corresponding error with respectto the detected chord and the International Celestial Reference System propagated Gaia DR2 star position.Results. We derive 37 precise astrometric positions for 19 TNOs and four Centaurs. Twenty-one of these events are presented here for the first time. Although about 68% of our results are based on single-chord detection, most have intrinsic precision at the submilliarcsecond level. Lower limits on the diameter of bodies such as Sedna, 2002 KX14, and Echeclus, and also shape constraints on 2002 VE95, 2003 FF128, and 2005 TV189 are presented as valuable byproducts.Conclusions. Using the Gaia DR2 catalog, we show that even a single detection of a stellar occultation allows improving the object ephemeris significantly, which in turn enables predicting a future stellar occultation with high accuracy. Observational campaigns can be efficiently organized with this help, and may provide a full physical characterization of the involved object, or even the study of topographic features such as satellites or rings.

Context. We present results from the first recorded stellar occultation by the large trans-Neptunian object (174567) Varda that was observed on September 10, 2018. Varda belongs to the high-inclination dynamically excited population, and has a satellite, Ilmarë, which is half the size of Varda. Aims. We determine the size and albedo of Varda and constrain its 3D shape and density. Methods. Thirteen different sites in the USA monitored the event, five of which detected an occultation by the main body. A best-fitting ellipse to the occultation chords provides the instantaneous limb of the body, from which the geometric albedo is computed. The size and shape of Varda are evaluated, and its bulk density is constrained using Varda’s mass as is known from previous works. Results. The best-fitting elliptical limb has semi-major (equatorial) axis of (383 ± 3) km and an apparent oblateness of 0.066 ± 0.047, corresponding to an apparent area-equivalent radius R ′ equiv = (370±7) km and geometric albedo p v = 0.099 ± 0.002 assuming a visual absolute magnitude H V = 3.81 ± 0.01. Using three possible rotational periods for the body (4.76, 5.91, and 7.87 h), we derive corresponding MacLaurin solutions. Furthermore, given the low-amplitude (0.06 ± 0.01) mag of the single-peaked rotational light-curve for the aforementioned periods, we consider the double periods. For the 5.91 h period (the most probable) and its double (11.82 h), we find bulk densities and true oblateness of ρ = (1.78 ± 0.06) g cm −3 , ɛ = 0.235 ± 0.050, and ρ = (1.23 ± 0.04) g cm −3 , ɛ = 0.080 ± 0.049. However, it must be noted that the other solutions cannot be excluded just yet.

Context.Deriving physical properties of trans-Neptunian objects is important for the understanding of our Solar System. This requires observational efforts and the development of techniques suitable for these studies.Aims.Our aim is to characterize the large trans-Neptunian object (TNO) 2002 TC302.Methods.Stellar occultations offer unique opportunities to determine key physical properties of TNOs. On 28 January 2018, 2002 TC302occulted amv~ 15.3 star with designation 593-005847 in the UCAC4 stellar catalog, corresponding toGaiasource 130957813463146112. Twelve positive occultation chords were obtained from Italy, France, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Also, four negative detections were obtained near the north and south limbs. This represents the best observed stellar occultation by a TNO other than Pluto in terms of the number of chords published thus far. From the 12 chords, an accurate elliptical fit to the instantaneous projection of the body can be obtained that is compatible with the near misses.Results.The resulting ellipse has major and minor axes of 543 ± 18 km and 460 ± 11 km, respectively, with a position angle of 3 ± 1 degrees for the minor axis. This information, combined with rotational light curves obtained with the 1.5 m telescope at Sierra Nevada Observatory and the 1.23 m telescope at Calar Alto observatory, allows us to derive possible three-dimensional shapes and density estimations for the body based on hydrostatic equilibrium assumptions. The effective diameter in equivalent area is around 84 km smaller than the radiometrically derived diameter using thermal data fromHerschelandSpitzerSpace Telescopes. This might indicate the existence of an unresolved satellite of up to ~300 km in diameter, which is required to account for all the thermal flux, although the occultation and thermal diameters are compatible within their error bars given the considerable uncertainty of the thermal results. The existence of a potential satellite also appears to be consistent with other ground-based data presented here. From the effective occultation diameter combined with absolute magnitude measurements we derive a geometric albedo of 0.147 ± 0.005, which would be somewhat smaller if 2002 TC302has a satellite. The best occultation light curves do not show any signs of ring features or any signatures of a global atmosphere.