The results of a CARA (Cometary Archive for Afq) campaign on Comet 103P/Hartley 2 are presented. The main goal was to monitor extensively the comet during the apparition with CCD R and I imaging and photometry, as a support of EPOXI mission.
The results of the 9P/Tempel 1 CARA (Cometary Archive for Amateur Astronomers) observing campaign is presented. The main goal was to perform an extended survey of the comet as a support to the Deep Impact (DI) Mission. CCD R, I and narrowband aperture photometries were used to monitor the Afρ quantity. The observed behavior showed a peak of 310 cm 83 days before perihelion, but we argue that it can be distorted by the phase effect, too.
We have launched the Cometary Archives for Amateur Astronomers, CARA, aiming at coordinated collection of homogeneous, long-time based, continuous data set of bright comet observations. The project is based on a collaboration between professional and amateur astronomers. The archived quantity is a set of the photometric Afq, measured in I, R or red continuum 647/10 nm filters. To derive coma profiles, Afq is measured in at least different radii selected from a set of 50,000, 25,000, 12,500, 6,000 and 3,000 km.
Earth- and space-based observations provide synergistic information for space mission encounters by providing data over longer timescales, at different wavelengths and using techniques that are impossible with an in situ flyby.
Avvisiamo i soci e simpatizzanti dell'Associazione che la sede di Mezzavia (c/o Sala Civica "F.Pegoraro") è aperta.
Siamo tornati alla normale attività. Vi aspettiamo
Il 6 febbraio, a 95 anni di età, è mancato Jean Texereaux.
Un nome forse poco noto oggi, ma che ha ispirato e guidato almeno due generazioni di astrofili e costruttori di telescopi.