The recovery as an important part of NEO astrometric follow-up

J. Ticha, M. Tichy and M. Kocer
Klet' Observatory, Zatkovo nabrezi 4
CZ-370 01 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
e-mail : klet@klet.cz

Abstract. The number of known Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) has increased rapidly in recent years due to large surveys. This discovery process has to be followed by follow-up observations to obtain a sufficient number of precise astrometric data needed for an accurate orbit determination of newly discovered bodies.

Accurate orbit determination requires observations from at least two oppositions. If asteroids are not found in the next apparition, different from the discovery one, then they can be considered lost. This is particularly embarrassing for NEAs. If data for different apparitions is not found in the course of precovery surveys or in other archive data, then it is necessary to prepare targeted observations of a particular NEA in the second convenient apparition. Therefore NEA recovery is a very important part of NEA follow-up.

We discuss here methods, techniques and results of planned recoveries at the Klet' Observatory using 0.57-meter telescope equipped with a CCD detector. The Klet' NEA recovery subprogramme has brought 21 planned NEA recoveries since 1997, including 7 NEAs belong to the Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs).

We mention the overall work on NEA recoveries provided by several NEO follow-up programmes as well as the need for communication resources supporting astrometric observers. Finnaly we present here a planned extension of Klet' NEA recovery subprogramme to fainter objects by means of larger 1-m telescope.

Icarus,Vol.159, No. 2, October 2002, pp. 351-357.
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