Moonwatch Progress Report and Results Obtained.

Abstract

The Smithsonian Observatory's satellite visual observing program (Moonwatch) continues to be an effective organization, producing a steady and ample flow of scientifically useful data. Affiliated in the program are 153 teams of volunteer observers in the U.S. and 19 other countries. The optical instruments used by the stations vary greatly as to numbers and types. The significant variations relate to penetration power and extent of field view. Timing equipment most widely used is a combination of radio receiver for reception of time signals and tape recorder. The use of stop watches is a satisfactory alternative. In addition to the original mission of Moonwatch, namely, to obtain early acquisition data from which preliminary ephetfierides could be derived and to make observations of the final decay of satellites, the program is engaged in a routine tracking proj ect. It is obvious that the accuracy of Moonwatch observations does not match those of the Baker-Nunn cameras; however, some teams equipped with high- power telescopes are capable of producing observations closely approximating the field-reduced photographic observations. The mean error of Moonwatch observations, as derived from the residuals of 1959 Alpha 1 and 1959 Iota 1, is 0.6 second of time. The positional error is about 0.5 deg. Planning calls for the acquisition of Moonwatch stations in the higher latitudes and other plans foresee 1.Procurement of additional deeper-penetration telescopes, (120 mm, 20 x). 2.Procurement of improved telescope mountings, with circles capable of giving position readings to an accuracy of at least #o degree of arc. 3.Servicing of stations on a wider and more frequent basis. 4.Development of techniques and instrumentation for producing greater accuracies in position and time measures. 5.Establishing a satellite photometric (light-curve) project.