A groundbreaking collaboration between astronomers from the Chinese mainland and Ukraine is paving the way for advanced asteroid risk mitigation. The research teams from the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Mykolaiv Astronomical Observatory have been diligently monitoring near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) to ensure accurate positioning and precise orbit determination.
NEAs, which travel in close proximity to Earth’s orbit, pose a significant threat due to their potential to impact our planet. The urgency for timely observations of newly identified NEAs cannot be overstated, as rapid assessment of their orbital elements is crucial for safeguarding Earth.
Traditional observation methods struggle with rapidly moving objects, often resulting in streaked images that compromise measurement accuracy. To address this challenge, the research teams have pioneered the rotating-drift-scan (RDS) charge-coupled device (CCD) technique. This innovative method enables asteroids to be captured as point sources, even during long exposure periods, significantly enhancing the clarity and precision of astronomical measurements.
Leveraging an extensive dataset of over 11,000 positional measurements of nearly 500 NEAs, collected by two 50-centimeter telescopes located in Xi'an, China, and Mykolaiv, Ukraine, the RDS-CCD technique has proven to be a game-changer. From 2019 to 2023 in Xi'an and from 2011 to 2022 in Mykolaiv, these telescopes have provided invaluable data that supports the new methodology.
The adoption of the RDS-CCD technique allows a network of small-aperture telescopes worldwide to significantly enhance the global NEA monitoring system. This advancement not only improves our ability to track and predict asteroid trajectories but also plays a critical role in protecting Earth from potential asteroid impacts. The study detailing these findings was recently published in the Astronomical Journal, highlighting the international effort to secure our planet's future.
Reference(s):
China, Ukraine astronomers develop new tech to mitigate asteroid risks
cgtn.com
