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NEO-related scientific and outreach activities at KLENOT

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2006

Jana Tichá
Affiliation:
Klet' Observatory & KLENOT Project, Zátkovo nábřeží 4, CZ-370 01 Ćeské Budějovice, South Bohemia, Czech Republic email: klet@klet.cz
Miloš Tichý
Affiliation:
Klet' Observatory & KLENOT Project, Zátkovo nábřeží 4, CZ-370 01 Ćeské Budějovice, South Bohemia, Czech Republic email: klet@klet.cz
Michal Kočer
Affiliation:
Klet' Observatory & KLENOT Project, Zátkovo nábřeží 4, CZ-370 01 Ćeské Budějovice, South Bohemia, Czech Republic email: klet@klet.cz
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Abstract

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In the recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in interest about NEOs. In the light of results of recent NEO surveys the need for continuous follow-up astrometry to secure the orbits 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 the 1.06-m KLENOT telescope, equipped with a 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 have been determined, more than 400 confirmations made, including 16 recoveries and 104 Virtual Impactors measured.

An important part of NEO search is the discovery of comets. Therefore an inseparable component of NEO follow-up includes the detection of possible cometary features of newly discovered bodies and the confirmation of Near Earth Comets (NEC).

In the next decade, surveys will be characterized by several aspects. Pan-STARRS opens the question whether “classical” confirmation and early follow-up of newly discovered NEO candidates will be necessary by others, and we discuss the need for possible changes in existing system of follow-up process. The most important challenge for follow-up will likely become the NEOs which are in urgent need of astrometric positions over longer arcs including Virtual Impactors, radar, and mission targets. The observing strategies and obtained results of the KLENOT Project will be presented as well as future plans will be discussed.

One of the most important duties of NEOs scientists and research institutions is to maintain contact with the public. NEO related issues have outstanding educational value and outreach potential. Nowadays the Internet has proved itself to be an excellent mean of bringing NEO knowledge to a wider audience.

Type
Contributed Papers
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2007

References

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