Predictions of occultations by minor planets as a test of accuracy

Abstract

Predictions of tracks of occultations of stars by minor planets give a strong test of the accuracy of observations, star places, and dynamical theories. A critical discussion of the 1983 September 11 occultation of 14 Piscium by (51) Nemausa shows that the systematic regional errors of fundamental stars introduce errors in the long-term predictions of occultations that are larger than relativistic effects.