Optical observations at the Zimmerwald Observatory

Paper number

IAC-07-A6.I.11

Author

Mr. Tim Flohrer, Astronomical Institute University of Bern (AIUB), Switzerland

Coauthor

Carolin Früh, Astronomical Institute University of Bern (AIUB), Switzerland

Coauthor

Dr. Thomas Schildknecht, Astronomical Institute University of Bern (AIUB), Switzerland

Coauthor

Dr. Martin Ploner, Astronomical Institute University of Bern (AIUB), Switzerland

Coauthor

Dr. Reto Musci, Astronomical Institute University of Bern (AIUB), Switzerland

Year

2007

Abstract

The Zimmerwald Observatory, located 10 km south of Bern, belongs to the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern (AIUB). The main instrument is the 1 m Zimmerwald Laser and Astrometry Telescope (ZIMLAT) that is used for satellite laser ranging observations (SLR) and for optical observations of Earth-orbiting satellites, in particular of space debris in high altitude orbits. Astrometric and photometric measurements, as well as light-curves are acquired while performing optical observations. Additionally, minor planets and Near-Earth objects (NEOs) are in the observation schedule. ZIMLAT is operated every night if weather permits.
With the observations acquired at Zimmerwald AIUB ensures the necessary follow-up observations of space debris objects discovered during the ESA surveys performed at the ESA Space Debris Telescope (ESASDT) on Tenerife. Beside this, the AIUB provides observations from the Zimmerwald Observatory to the Pulkovo cooperation of optical observers (PULCOO).
In this paper we present the optical facilities at Zimmerwald, discuss their capabilities and the instrumental constraints. We further give a brief overview of the processing steps and outline the procedures of planning follow-up observations. Special attention is paid to the high degree of automation that is reflected in the given statistics of the observations of the recent years.
By exemplary cases we show results from typical observations. One example is the process of precisely determining the orbital elements of objects with high area-to-mass ratios that are kept in a catalogue at AIUB. Those objects are usually discovered with the ESASDT and the immediate use of the Zimmerwald facilities is mandatory in order to secure the first orbits and to maintain the catalogue. 
For the acquisition of light-curves and photometric observations ZIMLAT is well suited, but due to the narrow field-of-view precise a-priori orbit information is needed. We show some exemplary light-curves as second example, including some from high area-to-mass ratio objects.

Abstract document

IAC-07-A6.I.11.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-A6.I.11.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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