Spacewatch search for near-Earth asteroids

Details Spacewatch search for near-Earth asteroids Spacewatch search for near-Earth asteroids

Apr 1991

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991ulpr.nasar....g&link_type=abstract

In its NASA Space Engineering Research Center for Utilization of Local Planetary Resources 3 p (SEE N91-24365 16-25)

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Asteroids, Astronomical Observatories, Charge Coupled Devices, Radiation Detectors, Telescopes, Astrometry, Computer Programs, Computers

Scientific paper

The objective of the Spacewatch Program is to develop new techniques for the discovery of near-earth asteroids and to prove the efficiency of the techniques. Extensive experience was obtained with the 0.91-m Spacewatch Telescope on Kitt Peak that now has the largest CCD detector in the world: a Tektronix 2048 x 2048 with 27-micron pixel size. During the past year, software and hardware for optimizing the discovery of near-earth asteroids were installed. As a result, automatic detection of objects that move with rates between 0.1 and 4 degrees per day has become routine since September 1990. Apparently, one or two near-earth asteroids are discovered per month, on average. The follow up is with astrometry over as long an arc as the geometry and faintness of the object allow, typically three months following the discovery observations. During the second half of 1990, replacing the 0.91-m mirror with a larger one, to increase the discovery rate, was considered. Studies and planning for this switch are proposed for funding during the coming year. It was also proposed that the Spacewatch Telescope be turned on the sky, instead of having the drive turned off, in order to increase the rate of discoveries by perhaps a factor of two.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Spacewatch search for near-Earth asteroids does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Spacewatch search for near-Earth asteroids, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Spacewatch search for near-Earth asteroids will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1794932