A search for Earth-crossing asteroids

Improvements made in both resolution element size and sensitivity in EBSICON cameras are discussed. An up-to-date illustration of what an asteroid detection now looks like is provided. Shown are four phases during the realignment of the live (white) and reference (black) frames. As one passes through the sequence the stars' images overlap and become grey, while the displaced images of the asteroid do not cancel

A search for Earth-crossing asteroids, supplement

The ground based electro-optical deep space surveillance program involves a network of computer controlled 40 inch 1m telescopes equipped with large format, low light level, television cameras of the intensified silicon diode array type which is to replace the Baker-Nunn photographic camera system for artificial satellite tracking. A prototype observatory was constructed where distant artificial satellites are discriminated from stars in real time on the basis of the satellites' proper motion. Hardware was modified and the technique was used to observe and search for minor planets. Asteroids are now routinely observed and searched. The complete observing cycle, including the 2"-3" measurement of position, requires about four minutes at present. The commonality of asteroids and artificial satellite observing, searching, data reduction, and orbital analysis is stressed. Improvements to the hardware and software as well as operational techniques are considered