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Amateur Astronomers Can Measure Distant Asteroids Using DIY Equipment
Key points
- Asteroid occultations reveal asteroid shapes.
- Amateurs can measure fleeting asteroid shadows.
- Budget-friendly equipment can be used.
- A 5.1-inch telescope and camera were used.
Understanding Asteroid Occultations
An asteroid occultation occurs when an asteroid passes in front of a distant star, temporarily blocking its light from Earth. This phenomenon creates a moving shadow on Earth's surface, similar to a solar eclipse but involving an asteroid and a star.
Advantages for Amateur Astronomers
Amateur astronomers are uniquely positioned to observe these events. Their flexibility allows them to be at specific locations to measure the asteroid's fleeting shadow, which can be hundreds of meters wide and move at tens of kilometers per second. Multiple observers can collectively map the shadow, providing data on the asteroid's shape that large professional telescopes often cannot capture.
Affordable DIY Setup
Measuring asteroid occultations does not require expensive equipment. The size of the asteroid measurable does not depend on the telescope's size, especially if the occulted star is bright. A modest 5.1-inch (130-millimeter) Newtonian telescope, costing around $300, can be used. This can be paired with a motorized equatorial mount (starting at $150 for DIY or $300 for pre-built) and an inexpensive astronomy camera ($260) with a large sensor like Sony's IMX585.
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Reporting from
Amateur astronomers can measure asteroid shapes by observing occultations, where an asteroid blocks a distant star's light. This method allows for data collection that professional observatories often cannot achieve due to the need for precise timing and location.