Abstract:
A photoelectric record of the occultation of SAO 158687 by Uranus on March 10, 1977, is analyzed. The observed variation in the intensity of the star's light is shown to indicate the presence of four zones, which are interpreted as being due to occulting material distributed in an extended region around the planet. Sharp discontinuities are found to separate these zones, so a model of an extended ring system similar to Saturn's is considered. Evidence is discussed for longitudinal variations of opacity in the plane of certain ring condensations. The occultation light curve of one relatively wide ring condensation is briefly examined.