Nancy Hamilton (National Security Agency)
Keywords: NROC, Non-Resolved Object Characterization
Abstract:
A satellites spectrum has two contributions: reflected sunlight and its own blackbody radiation. The extended Strömgren system, uvbyH?Ca, is proposed as a self-calibrating method of subtracting out the sunlight. While the blackbody radiation contribution will be weak, it will not have the H? and Ca II H and K absorption features. It is argued here that the signal-to-noise ration of the blackbody radiation to the solar radiation may be detectable, and that information used for satellite characterization.
The uvby bands will characterize the reflected sunlight and that model can be extended to the standard profile of the H? and Ca II H and K absorption lines. Any excess radiation in the absorption lines could be from the blackbody emission of the satellite.
This proposed method is suited for the Haleakala 3.67m telescope since multiple coudé feeds can be used for simultaneous narrow-band photometry at various altitudes of observation. Calibration stars in this system are available, but not needed during the observation.
The relative strength of the blackbody emission to the sunlight will depend on unique features of the satellite. Models of blackbody radiation detection will be presented.
Date of Conference: September 10-14, 2006
Track: Non-Resolved Object Characterization