Using small aperture telescopes to study asteroids

This section is being developed to explore the possible ways in which we can use telescopes with apertures between 8 inches and 24 inches (20 cm - 60 cm) and CCD cameras to learn more about main belt asteroids and other near Earth objects. 

The basic technique we will describe entails imaging the predicted locations of known asteroids with a time interval between images of at least 10 minutes. This interval allows you to detect the apparent change in position of the asteroid as the Earth orbits the Sun. 

One way to search for undiscovered asteroids is to image a "random" field near the ecliptic at least two times separated by a time interval of about 10 minutes. Once you have the second field you can then analyze the images by subtraction or perhaps by blinking and hope that  something shows up. Your chances of making a discovery are not very high. Most asteroid hunters that the author has consulted report that chances of discovery are as likely while imaging known asteroids as they are for imaging random fields. That is why we suggest that you enjoy tracking known asteroids while inspecting your images for new objects at the same time. We provide guidance and resources below.

Tracking known asteroids - look here for some guidance and resources.