You will start this project by finding and observing asteroids which are bright and relatively slow moving, and therefore very easy to observe. You will then use computer software to see the asteroid move against the starry background.

The next stage of the project is to accurately measure the position of the asteroid and give its RA and Dec to at least ±0.2' accuracy. You will then submit those positions to our Asteroid Portal.

Finally, you will learn how to find and observe NEOCP (Near Earth Object Confirmation Page) objects which are faint and very fast-moving asteroids with uncertain orbits. You will observe these objects, measure their positions and report them to the MPC (Minor Planet Center). Swift measurements of these objects can result in student / teacher names being published in the MPECs (Minor Planet Electronic Circulars).

• Course Creator: Sarah Roberts
• Course Leader: Lothar Kurtze
• Course Leader: Sarah Roberts