Asteroid Detection Using Astrometry

Aug 4, 2024

Astrometric and Asteroid Detection Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Focus on using astrometric data to search for asteroids.

Step 1: Open Astrometric Software

  • Launch Astrometric from the desktop.
  • Check PS1 or PS2 configuration:
    • Access Program Settings (first icon).
    • Open corresponding config file for the telescope (PS1 or PS2).
    • Save and exit Program Settings.

Step 2: Load Images

  • File Load Images is the first step.
    • Browse to the location of the unzipped data.
    • Select all four files (time series of one part of the sky).
    • Confirm four images displayed on the desktop (4x4 grid).
    • Optional: Change colors using the "Invert Images" icon.

Step 3: Astrometric Data Reduction

  • Click on the icon with a green diamond for data reduction.
    • Coordinates will be added to images by connecting to a reference star catalog.
    • A table will appear showing the fit. Close it after noting the results.

Step 4: Known Object Overlay

  • Click on the icon next to the magnifying lens for known object overlay.
    • Wait for names of known asteroids to appear (in red).
    • If no asteroids appear, proceed without concern.

Step 5: Blink Images

  • Click on Blink Current Images icon to start blinking.
  • Additional control buttons will appear (Stop, Play, Step Forward).
  • Look for moving objects:
    • Identify a moving dot (example provided in training data).

Identifying an Asteroid - Five Rules

  1. Visual Test: Check if the dot moves in a straight line at a constant speed.
  2. Movement Consistency: Should not fluctuate or oscillate.
  3. Brightness (Magnitude): Check the value of R (brightness) across images. Should remain consistent.
  4. Signal Alignment: Ensure white dots align with the red curve (celestial object signal).
  5. Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): Check SNR value; should be 5 or higher for reliable signal.

Marking the Asteroid

  • Confirm it is not a known asteroid by checking the object designation (three dots icon).
  • Review the table of known objects to verify distance.
  • If distance is not zero, create a new asteroid name (format: 3 letters + 4 numbers).
    • Example: XYZ00001.

Marking Across All Images

  • Mark the identified object in all four images using the same name.
  • Repeat steps for any additional moving objects found in the dataset.

Final Steps

  • To view the report:
    • Go to File > View MPC Report File.
    • Check that each selected object has four lines of data and follows the naming format.
  • Copy the report for submission or web posting (Ctrl+C).

Conclusion

  • Successfully using astrometric techniques to identify and report asteroids.