1191 Alfaterna negative from 3 locations in s.e. Virginia

New: 2003 November 10

On 2003 Nov. 4, observations were attempted of the occultation
of 9.8-mag. TYC 0114-01937-1 by (1191) Alfaterna from 3 locations
in southeastern Virginia.  The star was monitored during the
predicted time of closest approach, and no occultation occurred
at all 3 locations, specified below (C8 telescopes were used at
each location):

Approx.
dist., km,
from         west        north                  nearest
Preston   Longitude    Latitude   height datum   town       Observer
center    o  '   "     o  '   "     ft.
11N      76 23 33.8   36 50 53.9     9  NAD1927 Chesapeake Dennis Rowley
19N      75 58 16.3   37 14 02.6    20  WGS1984 Cheriton   David Dunham
31N      75 59 05.3   37 22 33.2    25  WGS1984 Eastville  Dunham remote

Observer   Star monitored, UT range (predicted time was 7h 33m 30s +/-8s):
Rowley    7h 29m     - 7h 40m     visual
Dunham    7h 31m     - 7h 36m     video
remote    7h 33m 19s - 7h 34m 29s video, not as well-centered on
      the predicted time as I'd like (scope undriven, aimed at field
      near 45 Eridani an hour before the occultation, at same alt. and
      azimuth that the target star would have at the occultation time).

Probably, the actual shadow passed south of center.  Roger Venable was
going to try to cover that area in Georgia, but he was clouded out.
Knowing that would probably happen, I considered covering the southern
part of the path myself from locations south of Virginia Beach, but
decided against it because clouds approaching from the south threatened
that location.  In fact, Dennis had clouds before the occultation, but
it was clear for him at the crucial time.  From the sites that I actually
used in the southern part of the Delmarva Peninsula, it was clear, but
after the appulse, I could see clouds low in the south illuminated by
the lights of Norfolk.

David