Can we predict when Solar System objects will occult a star?

Many star catalogues contain the positions of stars, but the process is rather complicated because different catalogues have different names for the same stars. For instance, Rigel in Orion is also known as Algebar, Elgebar, β Ori, 19 Ori, HD 34085, HR 1713, HIP 24436 and SAO 13190.

Star catalogues can be searched to find every star in a specific region of the sky.

Ephemerides provide the positions of planets and other astronomical objects, which can be calculated for any given time.

If the path of a body is calculated over time, then a search of star catalogues can identify any stars which fall in the path; otherwise, an occultation cannot be predicted without a thorough search.

The best option is the Moon, which occults stars frequently, is relatively large, moves quickly, and whose position can be determined from ephemerides.

Yes, based on their positions and orbits, astronomers can predict when objects in the Solar System will occult a star. By figuring out the orbits of the object and the star, astronomers can predict when they will appear to pass in front of each other from Earth's perspective. These predictions help astronomers schedule observations and investigate a variety of phenomena, including the size and shape of Solar System objects and the characteristics of distant stars.