On photometric observations of geostationary satellites near equinox dates
| 1Sukhov, PP 1Scientific Research Institute "Astronomical Observatory" of I.I.Mechnikov Odessa National University, Odesa, Ukraine |
| Kinemat. fiz. nebesnyh tel (Online) 2014, 30(2):70-76 |
| Start Page: Mathematical Processing of Astronomical Data |
| Language: Russian |
Abstract: The determination of photometric and dynamic features of geostationary satellites (GSS), which are necessary for their identifications, requires long (from a half of a year to one year) photometric observations at various positions of GSS with respect to the observer. We propose to perform photometric measurements of a GSS when it enters into and passes off the Earth’s shadow near equinox dates. During the dates the light of a GSS increases by several magnitudes, which allows one to use telescopes with mirror diameters from 50 to 70 cm for photometric measurements of an object. Besides, one can also get much more information on reflective properties of an object as compared with long-term observations at large phase angles. |
| Keywords: geostationary satellites, photometry |
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