Multicolor photometry of geostationary objects

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this work is the investigation characteristics of geosynchronous satellites in multicolor bands, including rare used U and I bands.

Methods. In this research method of CCD photometry was used. All light curves of artificial satellites obtained on 1 meter telescope.

Results. The first results of colorimetric observations of 3 geostationary objects in 5 spectral bands - U, B, V, R, I - are presented. The observations were made in the fall of 2012 using the ZEISS-1000 telescope with the support of colleagues from the SAO RAS. The high-altitude location of the observatory and the characteristics of the CCD camera made it possible to conduct observations of the GSS in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum, which previously was practically not available for observations from low-lying Ukrainian observatories.

Conclusions. The results of the experiment showed the need for observations of the GSS in the U-band. In the ultraviolet, information was obtained that did not manifest itself in any other spectral bands. These data, combined with the results in the I-range, significantly expanded the information channel in the field of the coatings of modern GSS condition.