A telescope that observes the entire sky has been launched in Maidanak.
A telescope with 31 optical modules has been launched at the Maidanak Observatory. The complex will observe asteroids, meteors, and space debris.
Telescope to observe almost the entire sky launched in Maidanak
A multi-lens telescope complex designed to simultaneously observe almost the entire sky has been installed and launched at the Maidanak astronomical observatory in Uzbekistan. The Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan reported this.
The system was developed by scientists from the Mirzo Ulugbek Institute of Astronomy of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan in collaboration with the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The new complex consists of 31 independent optical modules and high-sensitivity CMOS cameras. It allows simultaneous observation of the sky at an altitude of more than 20 degrees above the horizon and recording celestial bodies up to the 14th magnitude.
One of the main tasks of the system will be to detect and monitor fast-moving objects. In particular, the complex is designed to observe near-Earth asteroids, meteors, bolides, satellites and space debris.
The telescope is an automated astronomical monitoring complex. Data from 31 image-forming units is processed in real time using 16 computers. The average volume of data generated is 6–7 terabytes of astronomical information per day. A 150 terabyte system is planned to store them.
The complex is also equipped with software for automatic detection of moving objects in images. Deep learning algorithms are used for this. The system can track the trajectory of detected objects, determine their astronomical coordinates, and calculate initial orbital parameters.
In addition, there are options for remote control of the telescope and automatic planning of observations. The complex allows you to control temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, as well as wind speed.
According to the Academy of Sciences, the placement of the telescope at the Maidanak Observatory is due to the conditions of the high-mountainous region, the purity of the atmosphere, and stable conditions for astronomical observations. This will allow for regular monitoring of near-Earth space.
The Academy of Sciences noted that the launch of the complex will expand the capabilities of Uzbek scientists to observe near-Earth objects and work with large volumes of astronomical data. The equipment can also be used to participate in international research in the field of space monitoring and train specialists using modern observation technologies.
The installation of the telescope was the result of scientific and technical cooperation between Uzbekistan and China. The complex was launched on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence.