NEO Confirmation, Follow-up and Recovery Program by KLENOT

Ticha, J.; Tichy, M.; Kiriakov, M.; Kocer, M.
Klet Observatory, Zatkovo nabrezi 4, CZ-370 01 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic

Abstract.
In the recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in the interest for NEOs due to both discoveries of ground based telescopes/teams and satellite missions. In the light of these achievements the need for continuous follow-up astrometry in order to secure an orbit determination of the discovered bodies has risen. The Klet Observatory Near Earth and other Unusual Objects Observation Team and Telescope - project KLENOT - started in 2002. It is dedicated to confirmation, follow-up and recovery of NEOs. For this task 1.06-m KLENOT telescope equipped with high efficiency CCD is used. Since it was set in service in March 2002, a significant number of results have been obtained. For instance 10,000 positions were determined, more than 400 confirmations were made together with 17 recoveries and 104 measured Virtual Impactors. An important part of NEO discoveries is the discovery of comets. Therefore inseparable component of NEO follow-up consists in the detection of possible cometary features of newly discovered bodies and confirmation of Near Earth Comets (NEC). The next decade surveys will be determined by several aspects. At the first place, Pan-STARRS opens the question whether "classical" confirmation and early follow-up of newly discovered NEO candidates will be necessary by others. It is further discussed the need for possible changes in existing system of follow-up process. Consequently, the most important challenge for follow-up will become the NEOs which are in urgent need of astrometric positions determination over longer arc including Virtual Impactors, radar and mission targets. Finally, the observing strategies and obtained results of the KLENOT Project will be presented as well as future plans will be discussed.


Poster on Near Earth Objects, Our Celestial Neighbors: Opportunity and Risk, International Astronomical Union. Symposium no. 236, held 14-18 August, 2006 in Prague, Czech Republic
XXVIth GA IAU Abstract Book, p.99 , 2006
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