Tamworth keeps an eye on satellites

Subsequent discussions and proposals have led to TRAC participating in a program known as Argus 2 in conjunction with Dstl and the Basingstoke Astronomical Society (BAS) in the UK to undertake photographic observations of GEO and LEO satellites.

TRAC is delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this scientific observational program, which has the endorsement of the Australian Department of Defence, aimed at increasing knowledge about the hazards of orbital debris to communications satellites.

Argus 2 follows the successful completion of the first Argus project between Dstl and BAS members last year. The results of Argus 2 will be published and presented at the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference in September.

Despite the heavy bushfire smoke which extended across our region, dust storms and subsequent rain events earlier this year, TRAC managed to capture a number of LEO and GEO satellite images using equipment ranging from tripod mounted DSLR cameras connected to laptop computers, controlled by software developed by BAS member, John Murphy, through to TRAC's recently refurbished 8.5 tonne Hewitt Camera, which contains a 34 inch diameter primary mirror.

LEO satellites are generally several hundred kilometres distant when imaged, however GEO satellites are located much further away at a distance of 35,786 km.

While TRAC members were trying to find some clear skies between smoke and dust, the BAS members on the other side of the world were experiencing extended periods of stormy weather leading to severe flooding in some areas of the UK.

Nevertheless, a large amount of observational data has been collected by both the TRAC and BAS members and is now being analysed by the Dstl team.

LEO observations have concluded in recent weeks and TRAC and BAS are still in the process of gathering GEO observations from members' backyard observatories.

This has been a fantastic opportunity for TRAC members to use their observational skills and equipment to contribute to an international space research project of major importance and we hope will help to pave the way for the club to participate in similar programs in the future, particularly with the development of the Astronomy and Science and Education Centre and Roll-off Roof Observatory project now underway at Victoria Park in Tamworth, which will become the club's home base.

A media release issued by Dstl in January regarding Argus 2 is available online at: https://bit.ly/2QXUTSh

During the current COVID-19 restrictions, TRAC has moved our regular monthly meetings online with astronomy talks being presented via videoconferencing. If you are interested in participating in our online meetings, please send an e-mail to tracthestars@gmail.com and we'll be in touch.

Finally, one of the great things about astronomy is it's something you can enjoy from your own backyard.

You don't need a telescope when beginning your exploration of the night sky as you can see a great deal just using your eyes, and perhaps a pair of binoculars if you have them, to spot the brighter stars, constellations, planets, the Milky Way Galaxy and objects such as the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (satellite galaxies of the Milky Way).

Be sure to turn off any outdoor lights and allow a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.

With the current stay at home restrictions and guidelines in place, amateur astronomy is a great family activity to consider if you are looking for something different to do.

To help get you get started, a free monthly sky map, list of current astronomical events and tips for observing the night sky can be download for personal use from http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html (be sure to scroll down and click on the Southern Hemisphere map).

Remember to dress warmly, particularly as the nights become colder during the autumn and winter months.

In the meantime, stay safe and keep looking up!