A NEO Search-, Follow-up and Physical-Observation Programme

Abstract

Our groups are involved in establishing a search programme for asteoids and comets in near-Earth space, using existing European (Schmidt) telescopes. The whole project shall be seen as a part of a global network of NEO search stations in close corporation with ongoing and future programmes worldwide. In this framework, a modular, multi-CCD camera system is being developed at the Observatoire de la Cote d'Azur, Caussols, France. First observations performed to test the computer software for the semi-automated object identification to determine astrometric positions. We are also developing the capability to perform astrometric follow-up and physical observations of newly discovered objects. By using the 60 cm Bochum telescope at ESO in combination with the DLR CCD camera, we can obtain photometric lightcurve data (down to magnitude V&#6117) during up to five observing campaigns per year. These observations allow the determination of rotational parameters of the asteroid, and can also be used to obtain accurate astrometric positions for orbital improvement. Results from the first observing campaigns will be presented.