paneclipse

Paneclipse refers to a hypothetical astronomical event where a celestial body, such as a planet or moon, passes between a star and an observer, causing a temporary obscuration of the star. This phenomenon is distinct from a transit, which typically describes a smaller object passing in front of a larger one, and an eclipse, which usually involves the Sun being obscured by the Moon or Earth. The term "paneclipse" emphasizes the complete or near-complete blocking of the star's light by the occulting object.

While transits are commonly observed for exoplanets, a paneclipse implies an occulting body of significant size relative to the star from the observer's perspective. The duration and intensity of a paneclipse would depend on the size of the occulting object, its orbital path, and its distance from the star and the observer. Such an event could provide valuable data for astronomers studying the occulting object, including its size, atmospheric composition, and orbital parameters. Observing a paneclipse would require precise timing and sensitive instruments to detect the subtle dimming of the star's light. The concept of a paneclipse is primarily theoretical in the context of exoplanet observation, as finding celestial bodies large enough and aligned correctly to cause a full obscuration of their host star is rare.