Your setup shouldīe such that the pixel scale is no greater than 2"/pixel (preferably) orģ"/pixel (at worst). Size of your CCD's pixels to calculate the pixel scale. You will need to know the focal length of your telescope and the physical What is the purpose of the contact details?Īlmost any type of telescope will do (reflector or refractor).How long does it take for the name to be approved?.How do I write the citation and submit the name?.What's the best way to get my discovery numbered?.How quickly are observations processed by the MPC?.Should I check my observations before reporting them to the Center?.Should I separate my comet and minor-planet observations when submitting them? (Updated 2018 Nov.What if I can't follow-up a new discovery?.What's the best way to follow-up a new discovery?.How do I understand the designations the Center sends me?.How long does it take to assign a new provisional designation?.Who gets credit when single nighters are linked?.What is the difference between reporting two-nighter and single-nighter new objects?.How do I get a provisional designation assigned to it? What about batches containing observations from two or more observatory codes?.How do I know that the Minor Planet Center has received my observations?.When should I use a discovery asterisk?.What quality of measurements should I aim to produce?.How many observations should I make of each object?.Are there any restrictions on my observatory's name?.The observation format requires an observatory code.Can I report approximate or preliminary measures?.Are there any recommendations regarding e-mail?.What corrections should I apply to the derived positions?.Where should I obtain my comparison star coordinates?.
The following questions will be posed, then answered: This document was last updated 2018 November 9. This guide is intended for those observers interested in undertaking anĪstrometric CCD-observing program of minor planet and/or comets.