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Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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Hello IYA Friends!
I just wanted to tell you about a special project that I will be conducting over the entire IYA year! I will be attempting to detect and track 1,000 man-made satellites using my 8-inch and 11-inch Celestrons and my ST-9XE CCD camera.
CASTOR (my own company) managed to detect and track over 2,000 satellites in 2007 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sputnik. It took over 50,000 CCD images over the entire year to do this. I have since taken that data and compiled a unique satellite catalogue that contains satellites that can be detected with medium aperture telescopes (8 to 16-inch) with CCD cameras. I am hoping that CASTOR can provide a reference catalogue that will inform others about the possibility of detecting specific satellites. My work is still ongoing, but you can see the progress of the catalogue (and the satellites CASTOR will be detecting in 2009) on the CASTOR web site. I guess you can call it the CASTOR Satellite Catalogue. 
This is the first time anyone has attempted to compile a subset list of satellites that can be detected by retail equipment. Let's face it, most of us do not own a complete radar tracking installation!
CASTOR believes that a worldwide network of astronomers can optically detect a large percentage of the satellite population and therefore be of significant assistance to professional satellite trackers.
Feel free to ask questions about the catalogue and offer your suggestions! I especially welcome input from astronomers, since the catalogue is intended for astronomers, amateur and professional.
My project begins on January 1, 2009 and ends on December 31, 2009, the entire IYA year!
Thank You.
www.castor2.ca
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16351
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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Welcome to Cloudy Nights Michael. 
That sounds very interesting and quite ambitious. Keep us updated on your progress. 
Are you going to attempt to image some of the larger and brighter birds?
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
Thank You!
Are you referring to resolving the larger satellites (ISS, etc.)? I generally don't go for that, since there is already a large amount of people doing that. I want to create a catalogue of satellites (like the Messier and NGC are to deep sky objects) that astronomers with small to medium apertures can detect.
As thorough as the NORAD catalogue is, it is much too general for the astronomical community. The CASTOR Satellite Catalogue will be a subset of the NORAD catalogue detectable by small to medium aperture telescopes. I think that it will be especially handy to optical satellite tracking programs that are just beginning and wish to know which satellites they can track with their optical equipment.
The catalogue is located at www.castor2.ca/13_Catalogue. It is still being filled in and there will be brightness and tumble period measurements for those satellites that can be measured. Right now, some of the brightness measurements are more qualitative and in Dreyer (NGC) notation (cF, eF, vF, F, B, vB, eB, cB). I will be devising a comprehensive brightness scale (magnitude is not specific enough for satellites) and posting the results for each satellite in 2009.
Thanks for your support!
P.S. If anyone has any questions about observing our satellite population, post it here, or visit www.castor2.ca!
Thanks!
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16351
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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Hi Michael,
I apologize for my late reply, I've had a full plate lately. 
I've always been interested in observing satellites, and I am small scope man by trade. (refractor fan), so your catalogue project sounds like something very useful to folks like myself.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Regards and clear skies,
MikeG
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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Hello,
No problem. Although I still have much work to do to determine exact brightness estimates, etc., the catalogue is already showing which satellites can be viewed with medium aperture telescopes equiped with standard CCD cameras of 50% quantum efficiency or better.
The interesting thing about satellites is that they are moving across your FOV, therefore the exposure time you use is not the deciding factor. The satellites' apparent angular velocities are more important, unless you can literally track the satellites across the sky, but this does not give you much information, unless you are trying to resolve them. However, only the closest and largest satellites can be resolved by the amateur, and we already know which ones they are.
The catalogue can also be used by professionals who wish to track satellites optically (perform orbit determination to find the satellites' orbit elements). They will have a list of objects that they can start with.
The catalogue unfortunately does not include geostationary satellites on the opposite side of the world, since the Earth is constantly in the way from here in North America. However, this is only about 200 objects out of the 13,000 (or so) total orbiting, so I am not particularly worried about that.
Another problem is that unlike the Messier or NGC catalogues, satellites tend to disappear over time, i.e. decay or fall back to Earth. The catalogue will grow in size, but some entries will not exist, especially the lower orbiting satellites, which tend to decay faster.
I now have a unique appreciation of what the U.S. and Russian militaries have been going through since 1957 :-).
Later...
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
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Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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Mr. Kevin Fetter’s observation of a stray NASA tool bag was a very simple example of the immense potential of astronomers (amateur and professional) in the satellite tracking realm.
In 2007, CASTOR observed and tracked over 2,000 satellites (1/6 of our total population), including several pieces of ISS debris, with two telescopes and a digital camera to celebrate Sputnik’s 50th anniversary. The furthest satellite was 196,000 km in range (half way to the Moon!).
Modern technological advancements in astronomical equipment have allowed many astronomers to experiment with satellite observation. Many have already been able to resolve the International Space Station with amazing clarity.
The NASA tool bag story is one of many that occur all over the continent every year, but satellite companies have yet to consider the immense potential of such a vast untapped work force.
A privatized optical satellite tracking industry could potentially employ thousands of astronomers who otherwise would be called “amateurs” or “hobbyists”. The many astronomers I have met (including Mr. Fetter) possess skills that could be put to work tracking satellites for the U.S. military or private satellite companies (or both). My own experience has proven time and time again that these astronomers are ready to track satellites for more serious causes.
My own business, Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research (CASTOR) is devoted to creating a world-wide workforce of astronomers to track our vast satellite population. The 2007 Sputnik campaign produced the first ever satellite catalogue devoted to those with medium aperture telescopes and sensitive digital cameras.
CASTOR will be tracking an additional 1,000 satellites in 2009 to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). This will bring the CASTOR catalogue up to over 3,000 man-made objects. However, CASTOR has already proven that astronomers can detect and track a substantial portion of our satellites.
CASTOR Web Site: www.castor2.ca
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
|
Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
Hello Again!
I just wanted to announce that the CASTOR Satellite Catalogue is almost ready! There are currently 2,057 entries, each with example images and information, including tumble period measurements (where applicable).
Beginning January 1, 2009, the beginning of the IYA, CASTOR will be detecting another 1,000 satellites to add to the catalogue. Hopefully by December 31, the catalogue will grow to over 3,000 individual satellites!
I will be constructing the category legends (including descriptions of conventions and abbreviations) tomorrow.
Enjoy!
www.castor2.ca/13_Catalogue
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16351
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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Man, Michael, I have to say, that is an impressive amount of work you have put into organizing and presenting this data.
This is more proof that astronomy is one of those rare areas of mainstream science where the amateur observer can contribute in a meaningful way.
Regards and clear skies,
MikeG
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
Hi Mike,
Thank you very much for your kind words!
I have always believed that astronomy and satellite tracking should be one in the same since they both involve coordinate systems, orbital mechanics, orbit propagation, etc. The only difference today is that the technology is such that backyard astronomers can effectively take part in it too, mostly thanks to sensitive CCD cameras and planetarium software.
In about 2 weeks, it all starts again when I resume my survey. I will simply add whatever I find to this catalogue.
Others can add or make modifications to this catalogue by sending me an e-mail or posting their message on this thread. This includes brightness estimates and tumble period measurements.
It will be some time before this catalogue becomes useful for the general astronomical community, but I will keep working on it so that more members of our satellite population will be included as I (and others) detect and track its members.
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Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
Hello Everyone,
Just a small announcement that the CASTOR Satellite Catalogue is ready for general viewing!
I will be adding to this catalogue starting January 1, when I resume tracking satellites from all orbit types. Please refer to the catalogue to see my progress!
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
|
Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16351
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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|
Hi Michael,
I ran across this on the web today and I thought you might find it interesting - although you have probably seen it already.
http://www.gano.name/shawn/JSatTrak/
It works with the free NASA World Wind program.
Best regards,
MikeG
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
Hi Mike,
Yes, I have been aware of JSatTrack for several years. I also use the SGP4/SDP4 orbit propagators and have been using them for over 10 years with my favorite program TheSky Version 5. Not many know that it can be used to track satellites too!
Thanks!
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
|
Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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I had a great evening tonight, picking up nine new satellites to bring my total up to 2,069 since January 1, 2007.
Most of them were Russian, with one American and one Chinese rocket.
Images can be found on the CASTOR catalogue at www.castor2.ca/13_Catalogue.
Next opportunity is tomorrow night! Official IYA satellite tracking begins on the evening of January 1 (weather permitting).
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
|
Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
As of January 15, 2009, CASTOR has detected 2,120 satellites since January 1, 2007.
So far in the month of January 2009, CASTOR detected an additional 48 satellites, 5 percent of the total goal (1000) in the IYA year.
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
|
Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
It seems that the links to my catalogue have not been working because the period at the end of the sentences have been interefering with the URL. The working link is included below. Thanks for your patience!
www.castor2.ca/13_Catalogue
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
|
Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
Last night, I managed to pick up another 6 Low Earth Orbit Satellites to bring my total up to 2,126. The next opportunity is this Saturday.
www.castor2.ca/13_Catalogue
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
|
Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
I was going to try new satellites on Saturday, but the temperature was -20C and I did not want to risk hurting my equipment. There are some days when you just have to sit inside and relax. This also goes for my equipment.
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
|
Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
CASTOR detected a total of 200 satellites in the month of January, 79 of which were new to the CASTOR Satellite Catalogue. Due to the weather conditions, it is doubtful that CASTOR will be able to detect any more satellites in January.
As of January 28, 2009, the CSC has 2,132 unique satellites, nearly 1/6 of the total NORAD catalogued satellites currently in orbit.
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
|
Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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Seven new LEO satellites were detected tonight, bringing CASTOR's total to 2,139 satellites since January 1, 2007.
Tomorrow (Monday) night looks promising to detect new LEO satellites to bring the total to over 2,040 satellites.
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
|
Michael A. Earl
vendor- Canadian Satellite Tracking and Orbit Research
Reged: 11/17/08
Posts: 1117
Loc: Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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|
Last Sunday night I picked up another 7 LEOs, making my total 2,146 satellites since January 1, 2007.
I will be taking a little break as the Moon is getting too bright to catch any more dim satellites and the temperature is dropping like a stone. My next opportunity will be this weekend.
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Michael A. Earl - Vendor
Canadian Astronomy, Satellite Tracking and Optical Research
www.castor2.ca
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS
Celestron NexStar 8i SE
SBIG ST-9XE CCD
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