What are some helpful hints from the experts?

August 8, 2014 -

Make sure:

  • You are observing the correct asteroid and that it is a real object (not an image defect);
  • There are 12 or more reference stars in the field of view for astrometry and/or photometry;
  • Use the proper order fit correction;
  • Place the asteroid of interest near the center of the field;
  • For photometry, we recommend use of the UCAC4 or CMC-14 catalog if the UCAC4 does not cover the location of the asteroid. (Astrometrica and other astronomical software have access to these built in).