Algol - Show Future Eclipse Dates using Python

 

Python Code

Algol, is also called as Demon Star.

It is a bright triple star system in the constellation Perseus.

It is one of the first known eclipsing binaries, where the primary star is regularly dimmed by its companion passing in front of it.

Algol's periodic dimming has made it a subject of fascination and study since ancient times.

Below is snippet of python code to show next eclipse 5 dates.

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import ephem

# Define Algol

algol = ephem.star('Algol')

# Set observer location (e.g., New York)

observer = ephem.Observer()

observer.lat = '40.7128'  # Latitude of New York

observer.lon = '-74.0060'  # Longitude of New York

observer.elevation = 10  # Elevation of New York (in meters)

# Set the current date and time

observer.date = ephem.now()

# Predict the next 5 eclipse events. You can change the parameter in range(N) function

for i in range(5):

    next_eclipse = observer.next_setting(algol)

    print("Next eclipse of Algol:", next_eclipse)

    observer.date = next_eclipse + ephem.minute  # Move to the next minute to find the next eclipse

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Output-

Next eclipse of Algol: 2024/7/17 21:41:05

Next eclipse of Algol: 2024/7/18 21:37:09

Next eclipse of Algol: 2024/7/19 21:33:14

Next eclipse of Algol: 2024/7/20 21:29:18

Next eclipse of Algol: 2024/7/21 21:25:22