I’m in the last science session of NAM 2008, but there’s just time to warn observers in Scotland and Northern Ireland of an important and unusual astronomical event. Asteroid 1886 Lowell will occult (pass in front of) the naked eye star HIP 63355, otherwise known as 36 Comae Bernices. The star is magnitude 4.8, so this won’t be spectacular, but it will be visible and observations with accurate timings are extremely useful in constraining the size and shape of the asteroid.  There’s a map of the predicted track here  but do take this with a pinch of salt - such predictions aren’t always accurate and anyone within 100 miles or so should try and observe; negative results are also useful.The BAA have issued the following call for observations :

Observers wishing to make serious visual timings (to better than 1second) will need a multi-lap stopwatch or a voice recorder linked to an accurate time signal. Those with sensitive enough video cameras,camcorders or webcams may also be able to record the events, but will need an accurate method of time-stamping the video. This is ared star (Mr=4.0) which CCD video cameras are more sensitive to. Serious timings of positive occultations would be welcomed, as would definite negative events from within thepredicted shadow track. It is normal practice to observe or record for 2 minutes either side of the predicted central occultation timeabove. A specimen report form can be found here and the section website is here.Good luck!