The importance of follow-up observations for newly discovered NEOs

• Published in: Planetary and space science Vol. 48; no. 10; pp. 955 - 959
• Main Authors: Tichá, J, Tichý, M, Moravec, Z
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2000
• ISSN: 0032-0633; 1873-5088
• DOI: 10.1016/S0032-0633(00)00062-3

The increasing rate of NEO discoveries in recent years requires more precise follow-up observations over a sufficient arc. Here we discuss methods and results of the targeted NEO follow-up astrometry programme at the Klet’ Observatory. The 0.57-m reflector, equipped with a CCD camera, has been used for confirmations of newly discovered NEO candidates and early follow-up astrometry of NEOs at the discovery opposition since 1994. The Klet’ Observatory is one of the most productive sites in the world in this field. The Klet’ Observatory obtained astrometric observations of 85% of the potentially hazardous asteroids discovered in 1998, the majority of them as confirmations of the discovery and early follow-up used for preliminary orbit computations. The recoveries of NEOs at a second opposition and follow-up astrometry of poorly observed NEOs at further oppositions are also provided. In the near future we are going to finish an extension of this programme to fainter objects and very fast-moving objects using a 1.02-m reflector at Klet’.