On January 29, 2008, NEO asteroid 2007 TU24 passed the Earth at a distance of 0.0046 a. u. (690.000 kilometers), which is
less than twice the Earth-Moon distance.
Detection of optical counterpart of GRB071112C at Črni Vrh Observatory (Nov. 12, 2007)
We observed optical counterpart of Gamma Ray Burst GRB071112C (Swift trigger 296504)
using 60 cm Cichocki robotic telescope
at Črni Vrh Observatory. A new object was detected at RA=02:36:50.95, DEC=+28:22:16.8 (J2000).
Series of nineteen connsecutive Rc filter exposures were taken, starting at 18:35:51UT, 118 seconds after
the GCN notice time. We confirmed optical afterglow found by UVOT. The object was clearly detected
on first nine frames after which it dropped below the detection limit.
Complete results are published in GCN 7078 Circular.
Discovery of Supernova 2007od at Crni Vrh Observatory (Nov. 2, 2007)
On images taken by S. Maticic in the course of the Crni Vrh Asteroid and Comet Search
program PIKA,
an apparent bright supernova (mag 14.4) was detected using software for automatic
discovery of static objects. Supernova was found on four consecutive unfiltered CCD
images taken around Nov. 2.850 UT with a 0.60-m f/3.3 Cichocki Sky Survey Robotic Telescope.
The new object is located at R.A. = 23h55m48s.68, Decl. = +18o24'54".8 (equinox 2000.0),
which is approximately 38" east and 31" south of the center of the nearby galaxy UGC 12846.
Nothing is visible at this location on PIKA archive images obtained
on 2004-09-11, 2005-09-30, 2006-09-01, 2006-09-20 and 2006-10-18.
Limiting magnitude on this images is 18.5 - 19.0.
We checked POSS2/UKSTU Red, POSS2/UKSTU Blue, POSS2/UKSTU IR, POSS1 Red and POSS1 Blue at
STSCI archives
but there was no trace of any object at this position. Confirming images of 2007od, obtained with the
60-cm Cichocki reflector on Nov. 3.713 reveal magnitudes R = 13.9 and B = 14.5.
Discovery was announced in CBAT Electronic Telegram No. 1116.
Spectroscopic observations (CBET No. 1119),
obtained on Nov. 4.11 UT with F. L. Whipple Observatory 1.5-m telescope shows it to be a type-II supernova about two weeks past the explosion.
Discovery of Supernova 2007kg at Crni Vrh Observatory (Sept. 22, 2007)
On images taken by H. Mikuz in the course of the Crni Vrh Asteroid and Comet Search
program PIKA,
an apparent supernova (mag 17.1) was detected using software for automatic
discovery of static objects. Supernova was found on four consecutive unfiltered CCD
images taken around Sept. 22.90 UT with a 0.60-m f/3.3 Cichocki Sky Survey Robotic Telescope.
The new object is located at R.A. = 23h58m37s.43, Decl. = +60o59'06".7 (equinox 2000.0),
which is approximately 7".0 east and 6".0 north of the center of a nearby faint galaxy.
Nothing is visible at this location on several Palomar Sky Survey
images (limiting B and I magnitudes 20.0; limiting R mag 20.5) and 2MASS
images from the Aladin database. Further confirming CCD photometry with the
same telescope on Sept. 23.974 using the USNO-B1 R2 catalogue yields R =
17.17 +/- 0.04 and B = 18.62 +/- 0.10.
Discovery was announced in CBAT Electronic Telegram No. 1086.
Spectroscopic observations (CBET No. 1095),
obtained with F. L. Whipple Observatory 1.5-m telescope shows it to be a type-Ia supernova about three months past maximum.
Discovery of a New Variable Star in Perseus (Sep. 16, 2007)
A new star-like object with coordinates ra=03:57:28.01, dec=+35:37:16.3 (J2000) was found by H. Mikuž on
unfiltered CCD images (limiting mag 19.0) in the course of the PIKA project
with the 0.60-m f/3.3 Cichocki telescope
at Črni Vrh Observatory. The object was visible on all four images of the same region taken around 2007 Sep. 16.078UT.
The magnitude was 17.9+-0.05, (using comparison stars from USNO B catalog), roughly equivalent to
R band and no motion was detected for this object. Nothing is visible at this location on our archive images
with 19.0 limiting magnitude taken on 2005-01-11, 2004-02-09 and 2003-09-26, as well as on several POSS
and 2MASS images from the Aladin database. However, the object position is consistent with USNO-B1
catalogue star 1256-0061977 with B magnitude 21.51. MPC checker returned no hits of slowly moving objects
at this location.
Confirmation R and B filter photometry was obtained with 60 cm, f/3.3 Cichocki telescope, using comparison
stars from USNO-B1 catalogue:
Perseids 2007 from La Palma
Crni Vrh Observatory team member Jure Skvarc observed the 2007 Perseids next to the
Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope
on the Roque de los Muchachos mountain on La Palma Island. The night was perfectly clear with some wind but it did not affect observations.
The images were taken on the night of Aug. 12-13, 2007 using a Canon 350D digital camera and 8 mm/f3.5 Peleng fisheye lens on static
photo mount. The camera was controlled from a notebook computer. He obtained dusk to dawn long series of 30 second exposures at ISO 1600
and composed a (61 MB) AVI video animation. A 47 MB
WMV video animation is also available.
Discovery of Supernova 2007bk at Crni Vrh Observatory (Apr. 21, 2007)
On images taken by H. Mikuz in the course of the Crni Vrh Asteroid and Comet Search
program PIKA,
an apparent supernova (mag 16.5) was detected using software for automatic
discovery of static objects. Supernova was found on four consecutive unfiltered CCD
images taken around Apr. 20.005 UT with a 0.60-m f/3.3 Cichocki Sky Survey Telescope.
The new object is located at R.A. = 15h28m45s.58, Decl. = +58o52'12".8 (equinox 2000.0),
which is approximately 5".0 east and 12".5 north of the center of a nearby faint galaxy.
Nothing is visible at this location on three consecutive unfiltered PIKA images obtained on
2005 Apr. 4.882 (limiting mag 18.5) or on several Palomar Sky Survey and 2MASS images from the
Aladin database. A confirming R-filtered image of 2007bk taken on Apr. 20.950 yields magnitude
R = 16.65 +/- 0.02.
Discovery was announced in CBAT Electronic Telegram No. 933.
Spectroscopic observations (CBET No. 937),
obtained with Heute Provence Observatory 1.93-m telescope shows it to be a type-Ia supernova around 50 days
after maximum.
Detection of optical counterpart of GRB070411 at Črni Vrh Observatory (Apr. 11, 2007)
We observed optical counterpart of Gamma Ray Burst GRB070411 (Swift trigger 275087)
using 60 cm Cichocki robotic telescope
at Črni Vrh Observatory. A variable object was detected at ra=07:09:19.95, dec=+01:03:52.8.
Alternating exposures using R and B photometric filters were taken.
Full results are published in GCN 6270 Circular.
Detailed B and R photometry, confirming the object rebrightening was performed and published in
GCN 6288 Circular.
Those interesting to study our original images
may download them here.
It is a 15MB tar file, including 12 individual exposures in B and R filters. In case you intend to
publish results, obtained from our images, please credit them to PIKA program at Črni Vrh Observatory, Slovenia.
Posnetki popolnega Luninega mrka so bili narejeni na Astronomskem observatoriju Črni Vrh.
Po začetnem oblačnem vremenu se je kako uro pred mrkom nebo zjasnilo. Šele po koncu mrka se je spet
pojavilo nekaj oblakov. Sodeč po meritvah vsenebne kamere in naprave Unihedron je bilo
nebo med mrkom za okoli 0,2m temnejše kot je sicer za to lokacijo običajno v nočeh brez Lune.
On images taken by S. Matičič in the course of the Črni Vrh Asteroid and Comet Search
program PIKA on February 24, 2007 an asteroid with unusual motion was automatically detected.
Confirmation images were taken on the night 26-27 February, again by S. Matičič at 106 Črni Vrh. With the semimajor axis of 1.75 AU,
inclination of 11 degrees and eccentricity of 0.30, this object belongs to the Amor asteroid family.
Estimated object diameter is about 1400 m. Closest approach to Earth will be 0.35 AU on April 15, 2007.
The orbit has been linked to observations made on 1996 Oct. 9 by 691 Steward Observatory, Kitt Peak and by
703 Catalina Sky Survey on Jan. 16 and Feb. 10, 2007.
Further observations and orbit details are in MPEC 2007-D78.
The NEO asteroid 2007 DB83 was discovered with the drift-scan along the declination circles technique that we regularly use on the 60-cm Cichocki robotic telescope.
The telescope was operated remotely and the new object was automatically found by Fitsblink software.
Asteroid (89818) was recently named in honour of our team member Jure Skvarč.
He is one of key members of Črni Vrh Observatory team, creating the
Fitsblink software
for automatic detection and astrometry of asteroids and comets. Also he give indispensable
contribution by developing electronics and software for the
60-cm Cichocki telescope as well as part of hardware and software for remote robotic
observations at Črni Vrh Observatory. The naming is important recognition to our observing
team and will stimulate further activities.
It was proposed by Asiago-DLR Asteroid Survey at University of Padova. See full citation below.
(89818) Jureskvarč = 2002 AX203 Discovered 2002 Jan. 2 by the Asiago-DLR Asteroid Survey at
Cima Ekar. Jure Skvarč (b. 1964, Slovenia) created data analysis
software for automatic astrometric measurements and asteroid search used in the
scope of asteroid and comet search project at the Črni Vrh Observatory
(Slovenia) and in the Astrovirtel survey at University of Padova (Italy).
Naming published in MPC 58597, issued on 2007 Jan. 6.
Geminids Fireball Activity (December 14, 2006)
We observed high activity of Geminid meteors during the nights 12. - 15. December 2006.
Several fireballs were recorded during the night of Dec. 14./15. with the Crni Vrh Observatory
All Sky Camera.
Leonids from La Palma, Canary Islands (Nov. 19, 2006)
This year predicted maximum of Leonid meteors was expected for Nov. 19 at about 4h45UT. One of
potentially best observing places with darkness and meteor radiant high on the sky was La Palma,
Canary Islands. Unfortunately, the observations were strongly affected by clouds, so that only few
meteors were recorded.
Leonids 2006 from La Palma
Although the sky was partially obscured by clouds, a trail of bright Leonid meteor was recorded on this wide field image,
obtained from 2400m elevation Roque de los Muchachos mountain on La Palma. Image was taken on 2006 Nov. 19
(starting at 03:34:11UT) with 8mm, f/3.5 Peleng fisheye lens attached to Canon 350D DSLR camera. Exposure time was
30 seconds at camera gain set to ISO 1600.
Discovery of a New Variable Star in Taurus (Oct. 26, 2006)
A new star-like object (mag about 15.2) was discovered by J. Skvarč on four unfiltered CCD images
(limiting mag 18.5) taken during Oct. 26.010-26.037 UT in the course of the PIKA project
with the 0.60-m f/3.3 Cichocki telescope
at Črni Vrh. The new object is located at R.A. = 3h29m12s.26, Decl. = +12d50'17".6 (equinox 2000.0); nothing is visible at this
location on Črni Vrh archival images taken on 2004 Sept. 10, Nov. 16, and 2005 Jan. 22 (limiting mag 18.5) or on several Palomar Sky Survey
and 2MASS images from the Aladin database. Confirming unfiltered CCD images were taken with a 0.40-m f/3.6 telescope by R. Palčič at
Rezman Observatory (Slovenia) during Oct. 26.905-26.909 showing the object at
similar brightness. The discovery was announced in CBET 701
Detection of optical counterpart of GRB060904B at Črni Vrh Observatory (Sept. 4, 2006)
We observed optical counterpart of Gamma Ray Burst GRB060904B (Swift trigger 228006)
using 60 cm Cichocki robotic telescope
at Črni Vrh Observatory. A variable object was detected at ra=03:52:50.52, dec=-0:43:30.9.
Alternating exposures using R and B photometric filters were taken.
Full results are published in GCN 5511 Circular.
The movie shows fast fading of this distant cosmic explosion.
Those interesting to study our original images
may download them here.
It is a 15MB tar file, including 10 individual exposures. In case you intend to
publish results, obtained from our images, please credit them to Črni Vrh Observatory, Slovenia.
Obisk aktivnega vulkana Stromboli v času meteorskega roja Perzeidov (Avgust, 2006)
Misel, da živimo na mirni in okolju prijazni Zemlji, se nam na vrhu aktivnega vulkana takoj spremeni v
zmotno. Od nastanka Zemlje, pred 4,5 milijardami let in vse do danes, naša Zemlja ni povsem ugasnila
in se ohladila. Ker njeno delovanje in s tem povezani vulkani vznemirjajo vsakega preprostega človeka,
sva se z Matejem Mihelčičem v avgustu 2006 odpravila na posebno odpravo - vzpon na vulkan Stromboli in si na
lastne oči ogledati njegove izbruhe.
Vulkan Stromboli je otok, ki se nahaja v Eolskem/Liparskem otočju v Italiji. Pred 160.000 leti je
Stromboli pokukal iznad morske gladine in začel je nastajati otok, ki ima sedaj nadmorsko višino 924
metrov. Vzrok za njegov nastanek je enak kot za vse ostale vulkane (Etna in Vezuv) v Italiji - trk
dveh litosferskih plošč.
Stromboli je zanimiv po svoji aktivnosti, ki se ponavlja na približno vsake 10 minut v obliki bruhanja
kosov magme. Vendar od časa do časa se tudi ta »urejenost« izbruhov poruši in lahko nastopi močnejši
izbruh ali celo izliv lave. Tako se je decembra 2002 zgodil izliv lave, ki je povzročil večmetrski
tsunamij, ko se je lava potopila v morje. Aprila 2003 pa je močnejši izbruh lažje poškodoval vas Ginostro
na jugozahodni strani otoka. Kljub temu lahko vsak, ki si želi videti Strombolsko aktivnost, pripleza
na vrh vulkana. To pa samo pod enim pogojem: da te po celotni poti vodi vodič, ki je za to usposobljen.
Hoja na vrh traja 2,5 uri. Na vrhu se ostane 1 uro. Vzpon se začne v poznih popoldanskih urah v vasi
San Vincenzo, tako da se izbruhe opazuje v mraku oziroma že temi, saj so takrat bolje vidni in
bolj impresivni. Spust pa traja 1,5 ure po mehki vulkanski mivki v popolni temi in z lučjo na glavi.
Images of total solar eclipse were obtained near Side, Turkey very close to
central line with totality duration 3min 45 sec. We used a wide range of observing
equipment, including 500mm, f/8 telephoto lens and Canon EOS 20D DSLR camera,
Olympus DSLR with 7.2 megapixels for taking both video and still images and
Sony digital video camera which we used for making video animation of the eclipse.
Beside digital cameras, we observed also with two classical cameras having ordinary
film for color slides (Velvia 100). The 250 mm, f/4 lens was used for making wide field
images of the corona, while Peleng 8 mm fisheye lens was used for imaging the entire
sky during the totality. A 12V/220V power converter was connected to our rental car and
supplied 220V current for the video and Canon 20D cameras.
Discovery of Supernova 2006at at Crni Vrh Observatory (Mar. 9, 2006)
On images taken by B. Dintinjana and H. Mikuz in the course of the Crni Vrh Asteroid and Comet Search
program PIKA,
an apparent supernova (mag 17.1) was detected using software for automatic
discovery of static objects. Supernova was found on four consecutive unfiltered CCD
images taken around Mar. 8.055 UT with a 0.60-m f/3.3 Cichocki Sky Survey Telescope.
The new object is located at R.A. = 13h12m41s.11, Decl. = +63o16'45".4 (equinox 2000.0),
which is approximately 8".0 east and 10".5 north of the center of a nearby very faint galaxy.
Nothing is visible at this location on three consecutive PIKA R-band images obtained on Feb.
12.074 (limiting mag 18.5) or on a Digital Sky Survey (DSS) image from
1993 Mar. 19 (limiting blue mag stated as 19.6).
Discovery was announced in CBAT Electronic Telegram No. 424
and confirmed by H. Yamaoka, Kyushu University; and H. Naito and N. Tokimasa, Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory. They
obtained a low-resolution spectrum, indicating that it may be a very young supernova.
NASA astronaut Russell L. Schweickart visited Crni Vrh Observatory (Oct. 2, 2005)
On September 8-11, 2005, former NASA astronaut Russell L. Schweickart
visited Slovenia together with his wife Nancy Ramsey.
He piloted Apollo 9's
lunar module in 1969 and served as a backup
commander for the first Skylab mission in 1973. He currently chairs the board of directors
for the B612 Foundation. Since we have common interest in NEO asteroids, he also visited Crni Vrh
Observatory.
His current interest is devoted to the NEO asteroids that are potentionally threatening our planet
and plans to send the unmanned space mission trying to deflect such body and prevent it from hitting
Earth. In October 2001, more than 20 like-minded engineers and astronomers, including few former
and current astronauts gathered in the Johnson Space Center in Houston to discuss what they saw
as the missing element in the space program - attention to the possibility of our planet being
struck by a near Earth asteroid.
In order to facilitate their work, they formed the B612 Foundation, a non-profit corporation named
after the home asteroid of the title character in Antoine de Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince.
Also they proposed to NASA a B612 Mission
that would be sent to appropriate NEO asteroid with well known orbit and either speed up the body by pushing it in
the direction of its orbital motion or slow it down by pushing in the opposite direction. Rather than
giving the asteroid a powerful shove, they proposed the asteroid-tug concept that would deliver
a gentle but constant pressure, causing a slight but large enough deflection of orbit. The space tug
would need to rendezvous with a target asteroid, attach itself to the surface and show its ability
to maneuver the object. Thus the goal of a B612 mission is to significantly alter the asteroid's
orbit in a controlled manner. If successfull, they would clearly demonstrate that the deflection of
small Solar System bodies from hitting Earth is possible.
In a recent article published in Sept.-Oct. 2005
issue of American Scientist they stressed
the importance of such space mission, following a recent addition of the 330-m diameter
asteroid designated 99942 Apophis to the list of small bodies that have small but real chance
of striking the Earth.
2005 Perseids from La Palma, Canary Islands (Aug. 12, 2005)
During the night of 2005 Aug. 12-13, Crni Vrh Observatory team member Jure Skvarc set up his Canon
Digital Rebel DSLR camera and Peleng 3.5/8 mm fisheye lens on a fixed tripod atop the 2400m
elevation Roque de los Muchachos mountain on La Palma Island - one of the best observing places on
our planet. He obtained dusk to dawn long series of 30 second exposures, covering nearly the
whole sky. During the photo session, he recorded many meteors and two bright fireballs.
Transneptunian objects 2003 UB313 and 2003 EL61 (Aug. 4, 2005)
These objects were successfully imaged with 60-cm Cichocki Sky Survey Telescope
during the July 29 - Aug. 2 period. We took a series CCD exposures on each night and co-added them to obtain a single, long exposure
image of distant Solar System objects.
Southern Milky Way with Nova Sagittarii 2005 No. 2 (July 22, 2005)
While staying on the Island of Cres (Croatia) for holidays, I took some wide field night sky scenes using a fixed tripod and
Canon EOS 20D DSLR camera. In spite of modest equipment (lack of motorized mount), I was able to obtain surprisingly good images of the
central region of our Milky Way Galaxy. By chance, the Nova Sagittarii 2005 No. 2 was also recorded 2.9 days
after discovery by William Liller in Chile (IAUC 8559).
Island of Cres is the largest in Adriatic sea but so far also relatively unpopulated, with only few smaller
tourist centers. The light pollution is consequently low. As soon as you move in the island countryside, the night sky
is very dark -- a good place for imaging the sky and the Southern Milky Way in particular. Perhaps, one of the darkest
places in Europe.
Some additional testing images, recently obtained with Canon 20D are collected in our
gallery .
Discovery of NEO Asteroid 2005 FV2 at Crni Vrh Observatory (Mar. 18, 2005)
On images taken by S. Maticic in the course of the Crni Vrh Asteroid and Comet Search
program PIKA on March 18, 2005 an asteroid with unusual motion was automatically detected.
After being posted on the NEO Confirmation Page, further measurements were obtained by
P. Birtwhistle (J95, Great Shefford) and S. Sposetti (143, Gnosca). They provided enough observations to determine basic
orbital parameters. With the semimajor axis of 2.05 AU, inclination of 19 degrees
and eccentricity of 0.71, this object belongs to the Apollo asteroid family. Estimated object diameter is ~500 m.
Closest approach to Earth was 0.265 AU on March 11, 2005.
Further observations and orbit details are in MPEC 2005-F28.
The NEO asteroid 2005 FV2 was discovered with the drift-scan along the declination circles technique that we regularly use on the 60-cm robotic telescope.
The telescope was operated remotely and the new object was automatically found by Fitsblink software.
On images taken by H. Mikuz in the course of the Crni Vrh Asteroid and Comet Search
program on February 8, 2005 an asteroid with unusual motion was automatically detected.
The rate and direction of motion indicated that
the object does not belong to the main belt asteroids.
After being posted on the NEO Confirmation Page, further measurements were obtained by
observers worldwide. They provided enough observations to determine basic
orbital parameters. With the semimajor axis of 1.9 AU, inclination of 26 degrees
and eccentricity of 0.46, this object belongs to the Amor asteroid family. Estimated object diameter is ~900 m.
Closest approach to Earth is 0.063 AU on February 27, 2005.
Further observations and orbit details are in MPEC 2005-C32.
The NEO asteroid 2005 CR37 was discovered with the new drift-scan along the declination circles technique that we regularly use on the 60-cm robotic telescope.
The telescope was operated remotely and the new object was automatically found by Fitsblink software.
On images taken by S. Maticic in the course of the Crni Vrh Asteroid and Comet Search
program on February 6/7 2005, an asteroid with unusual motion was automatically detected.
The rate and direction of motion (2.6o/ day in PA 113o) indicated that
the object does not belong to the main belt asteroids.
After being posted on the NEO Confirmation Page, further measurements were obtained by
H. Mikuz and other observers worldwide. They provided enough observations to determine basic
orbital parameters. With the semimajor axis of 2.2 AU, inclination of 6 degrees
and eccentricity of 0.56, this object belongs to the Apollo asteroid family. Estimated object diameter is ~200 m.
Closest approach to Earth was 0.0534 AU on January 27, 2005.
Further observations and orbit details are in MPEC 2005-C30.
The NEO asteroid 2005 CC37 was discovered with the new drift-scan along the declination circles technique that we regularly use on the 60-cm robotic telescope.
The telescope was operated remotely and the new object was automatically found by Fitsblink software.
On images taken by H. Mikuz in the course of the Crni Vrh Asteroid and Comet Search
program on September 10/11 2004, an asteroid with unusual motion was automatically detected.
The rate and direction of motion (3o/ day in PA 163o) indicated that
the object does not belong to the main belt asteroids.
After being posted on the NEO Confirmation Page, confirmation measurements were taken on the
Sep. 11 evening by S. Maticic and other observers worldwide. They provided enough observations to determine basic
orbital parameters. With the semimajor axis of 2.34 AU, inclination of 34 degrees
and eccentricity of 0.5, this object belongs to the Amor asteroid family. Closest approach
to Earth is on 2004 Sep. 16.5UT at the distance of 27 million km. Estimated diameter of this object is ~1 km.
Further observations and orbit details are in MPEC 2004-R61.
The NEO asteroid 2004 RS109 was discovered on the first night we used the new drift-scan along the declination circles technique on the 60-cm robotic telescope.
It was operated remotely and the new object was automatically found by Fitsblink software.
CARA Meeting, 2004
Some 15 comet observers from Italy, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia gathered on a two day CARA conference which take place at
Crni Vrh elementary school. The aim of conference was discussion on how to improve the quality of comet observations by using new observational techniques (remote robotic
telescopes, narrow band filters and various software tools). See conference programme for further details.
On Sunday afternoon, participants visited nearby Crni Vrh Observatory where the new 60-cm robotic telescope is now in full operation.
Part of telescope time is devoted also to comet observations. Unfortunately, evening remote observations were not possible due to bad weather.
We prepared also public observation at the Crni Vrh Elementary School where B. Mikuz and J. Vales conducted observations with 15-cm Maksutov telescope and solar filter.
You can look at image archive which
contain images at 10 sec intervals, starting from 5h30UT. The file name contain information on when
particular image was obtained. Thus image 74154.jpg was taken at 7h 41min 54 sec.
Transit data for Crni Vrh Observatory
h m s
Fist contact 7:20:05.4
Second contact 7:39:40.1
Third contact 13:04:08.4
Fourth contact 13:23:22.4
Discovery of NEO Asteroid 2004 FF29 at Črni Vrh Observatory (Mar. 28, 2004)
On images taken by H. Mikuž in the course of the Črni Vrh Asteroid and Comet Search
program on March 28/29 2004, an asteroid with unusual motion was automatically detected.
The rate of motion (1.8 degree / day in PA ~250o) indicated that
this object does not belong to the main belt asteroids. Confirmation images were taken
next night by S. Maticic and object reported to the Minor Planet Center. After being posted
on the NEO Confirmation Page for a day, enough observations were provided to determine basic
orbital parameters. With the semimajor axis of 1.94 AU, inclination of 8 degrees
and eccentricity of 0.62 this object belongs to the Apollo asteroid family. Closest approach
to Earth was on 2004 Mar. 10.62UT at the distance of 25 million km. Estimated diameter of this object is ~1 km.
Further observations and orbit details are in MPEC
2004-F85. Relevant links:
On images taken by Stane Matičič in the course of the Črni Vrh Asteroid and Comet
Search program on 26 September 2003, an asteroid with unusual motion
was automatically detected. The direction and rate of motion (PA = 90 degrees at
almost 1.1 degree / day) indicated that this object does not belong to the main belt
asteroids. Confirmation images were taken next night by J. Skvar?and object reported to the
Minor Planet Center.
After being posted on the NEO Confirmation Page for a day, enough
observers provided additional position measurements to determine basic orbital
parameters. With the semimajor axis of 2.3 AU, inclination of 8 degrees and
eccentricity of 0.52 this object belongs to the Amor asteroid family. At the
closest approach to Earth it will be at the distance of 24 million km. Estimated
diameter of this object is 400 m. Relevant links:
First Light on the 60-cm Telescope (September 2, 2002)
Early in the morning we obtained first images with the new
60-cm telescope.
We carefully assembled all telescope parts and on Sept 1st, the system was
ready for first light.
After the laser collimation procedure, we performed the Faucault test and
adjusted the telescope back-focus to within 0.1mm off the ideal position. Then we put 1k x 1k CCD and took few images.
The
first one
was out of focus and shows the telescope is well collimated. After some focus adjustment, we obtained
second image
with sharp stellar images accross the whole field.
We slewed the telescope to
M33
and took a 3-min unguided exposure with R filter. Again, stellar images remain pin-point, although the mount was not yet aligned and the
telescope drive constants only roughly set. Since the CCD was not used for a few months,
all images have lot of ice crystalls all over the frame and are unprocessed.
We just want to demonstrate that the optics, mechanics and electronics
performed well. Real images will follow soon.
See also one minute CCD exposure of
M15 globular cluster,
using a 60-cm telescope and R filter.
60-cm Telescope Near the Completion (May 13, 2002)
Works on the construction of a 60-cm telescope are well in progress. The telescope optics
was ordered at Astrooptik Co. in August 2000 and delivered in April 2001. Technical solutions and project drawings were
completed early in 2001. Later, we switched our activity to observatory reconstruction. In August 2001,
we received servo motors and drive electronics. At the same time, work on the completion of control
electronics started. During November 2001 - March 2002, most of telescope parts were made in a local
workshop and on March 22, we started to assemble all parts together.
The upper ring, containing corrector and motorized focusing device was assembled first. On April 25th,
the telescope servo drives were successfully tested for the first time. The most time consuming and rather
difficult process was the making of motorized flaps that cover the mirror cage and protect it from moisture
and dust.
After all parts were assembled, the telescope was tested in a workshop once again
on May 13, 2002. Mechanical and electronics tests passed well and the telescope was disassembled for
painting. It will be installed at the Crni Vrh Observatory in June 2002.