Henrique Schmitt, Naval Research Laboratory, Fred Vrba, US Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station
Keywords: photometry, SSA
Abstract:
We present the results of B, V, R and I band observations of a sample of geostationary communications satellites with the U.S. Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station 40-inch Ritchey telescope. The observations were done in July 2015, and covered 68% of the targets observable from Flagstaff. The targets were observed with an azimuthal solar phase angle smaller than 5 degrees, in an attempt to sample the satellite properties during the period where they are likely to be at peak brightness. We present the distribution of magnitudes and colors, and interpret these results. We also discuss the application of the results presented in this contribution to the design of future optical interferometers capable of imaging these targets.
Date of Conference: September 20-23, 2016
Track: Poster