Chengxing Zhai, Michael Shao, Navtej Saini, Philip Choi, Nez Evans, Russell Trahan, Kutay Nazli, Max Zhan
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Synthetic tracking (ST) has emerged as a potent technique for observing fast-moving near-Earth objects (NEOs), offering enhanced detection sensitivity and astrometric accuracy by avoiding trailing loss. This approach also empowers small telescopes to use prolonged integration times to achieve high sensitivity for NEO surveys and follow-up observations. In this study, we present the outcomes of ST observations conducted with Pomona College’s 1 m telescope at the Table Mountain Facility and JPL’s robotic telescopes at the Sierra Remote Observatory. The results showcase astrometric accuracy statistics comparable to stellar astrometry, irrespective of an object’s rate of motion, and the capability to detect faint asteroids beyond 20.5th magnitude using 11 inch telescopes. Furthermore, we detail the technical aspects of data processing, including the correction of differential chromatic refraction in the atmosphere and accurate timing for image stacking, which contribute to achieving precise astrometry. We also provide compelling examples that showcase the robustness of ST even when asteroids closely approach stars or bright satellites cause disturbances. Moreover, we illustrate the proficiency of ST in recovering NEO candidates with highly uncertain ephemerides. As a glimpse of the potential of NEO surveys utilizing small robotic telescopes with ST, we present significant statistics from our NEO survey conducted for testing purposes. These findings underscore the promise and effectiveness of ST as a powerful tool for observing fast-moving NEOs, offering valuable insights into their trajectories and characteristics. Overall, the adoption of ST stands to revolutionize fast-moving NEO observations for planetary defense and studying these celestial bodies.
合成跟踪(ST)已成为观测快速移动近地天体(NEOs)的一种有效技术,它通过避免拖尾损失提高了探测灵敏度和天体测量精度。这种方法还使小型望远镜能够利用较长的积分时间来实现近地天体巡天和跟踪观测的高灵敏度。在本研究中,我们介绍了利用波莫纳学院在桌山设施的 1 米望远镜和 JPL 在 Sierra Remote Observatory 的机器人望远镜进行 ST 观测的结果。观测结果表明,无论天体的运动速度如何,天体测量的精确度统计都可与恒星天体测量相媲美,而且使用 11 英寸望远镜还能探测到 20.5 等以上的暗小行星。此外,我们还详细介绍了数据处理技术方面的问题,包括大气层中色差折射的校正和图像叠加的精确计时,这些都有助于实现精确的天体测量。我们还提供了令人信服的示例,展示了 ST 即使在小行星接近恒星或明亮卫星造成干扰时的稳健性。此外,我们还展示了 ST 在星历表高度不确定的情况下恢复近地天体候选星的能力。作为利用带有 ST 的小型机器人望远镜进行近地天体测量的潜力一瞥,我们展示了为测试目的而进行的近地天体测量的重要统计数据。这些发现强调了 ST 作为观测快速移动近地天体的强大工具的前景和有效性,为了解近地天体的轨迹和特征提供了宝贵的信息。总之,ST 的采用将彻底改变用于行星防御和研究这些天体的快速移动近地天体观测。
期刊介绍:
The Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (PASP), the technical journal of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP), has been published regularly since 1889, and is an integral part of the ASP''s mission to advance the science of astronomy and disseminate astronomical information. The journal provides an outlet for astronomical results of a scientific nature and serves to keep readers in touch with current astronomical research. It contains refereed research and instrumentation articles, invited and contributed reviews, tutorials, and dissertation summaries.