We need amateur astronomers willing and able to do follow-up work on newly discovered asteroids and comets.
LONEOS will probably discover between 5 and 10 potential Earth-crossing objects (ECOs) on each full night of observing. Each of these objects requires several follow-up observations in order to accurately determine the object's orbit. The LONEOS Schmidt could be used to do the follow-up but the number of NEO's discovered will greatly decrease if we must spend the required time in following-up all discoveries.
Our telescope can go as deep as 20th magnitude. If you have a telescope with a CCD camera capable of approaching 20th magnitude objects (a limiting magnitude of 17 to 18 would be useful) and are willing to help with this project, we need to hear from you.
We are in the process of developing web pages to facilitate communication between various NEO search and follow-up groups. In the next few days, you will find a link to the new communication web page. It will require a password to enter. If you would like to participate in the "shakedown cruise of this system, please contact us at the address below.
Contact us at the following address:
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