> The stellar occultation by (319) Leona on 13 September 2023 in preparation for the occultation of Betelgeuse
> This represents an extraordinary and unique opportunity to analyze the diameter and brightness distribution of Betelgeuse's photosphere with extreme angular resolution by studying the light curve as the asteroid occults the star from different points on Earth and at different wavelengths. Here we present observations of another occultation by Leona on 13 September 2023 to determine its projected shape and size in preparation for the December 12th event.
[1] https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.12272
(Amazing that it was posted ~8 days after the observations were made!)
The Occultation folks had a presentation on these preparations back this summer:
https://occultations.org/publications/rasc/2023/2023Dec12Leo...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok7hJ_2DPhM&ab_channel=IOTAA...
It's also worth noting that if you're in a position to observe the occultation of Betelgeuse in December, you can and should participate. You need a DSLR camera in video mode for the light curve and a smartphone (recorded before and after) to accurately mark the time.