An astronomical survey is a general map or image of a region of the sky (or of the whole sky) that lacks a specific observational target. Alternatively, an astronomical survey may comprise a set of images, spectra, or other observations of objects that share a common type or feature. Surveys are often restricted to one band of the electromagnetic spectrum due to instrumental limitations, although multiwavelength surveys can be made by using multiple detectors, each sensitive to a different bandwidth.
6-640: The Uppsala–DLR Asteroid Survey ( UDAS , also known as UAO–DLR Asteroid Survey ) is an astronomical survey , dedicated for the search and follow–up characterization of asteroids and comets . UDAS puts a special emphasis on near-Earth objects (NEOs) in co-operation and support of global efforts in NEO-research, initiated by the Working Group on Near-Earth Objects of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and
12-495: A hypothesis, a telescope scheduling committee is more likely to approve new, more detailed observations to test it. The wide scope of surveys makes them ideal for finding foreground objects that move, such as asteroids and comets. An astronomer can compare existing survey images to current observations to identify changes; this task can even be performed automatically using image analysis software. Besides science, these surveys also detect potentially hazardous objects , providing
18-587: A service to Spaceguard . For example, the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) system surveys the entire night sky every night and, like NEOSTEL , is intended to detect objects as they approach. Broader surveys include the Uppsala–DLR Asteroid Survey and the 20th-century U.K. Schmidt–Caltech Asteroid Survey . Old surveys can be reviewed to find precovery images. Similarly, images of
24-677: The Spaceguard Foundation . UDAS began regular observations in September 1999, with some test runs during 1998. Discoveries of NEOs are reported to the Minor Planet Center (MPC). It is a kind of follow-on programme to ODAS , which had to close due to lack of further financial support. It should also not be confused with the Uppsala–DLR Trojan Survey (UDTS), which was conducted a few years before UDAS
30-643: The production of an astronomical catalog . They may also search for transient astronomical events . They often use wide-field astrographs . Sky surveys, unlike targeted observation of a specific object, allow astronomers to catalog celestial objects and perform statistical analyses on them without complex corrections for selection effects . In some cases, an astronomer interested in a particular object will find that survey images are sufficient to make new telescope time entirely unnecessary. Surveys also help astronomers choose targets for closer study using larger, more powerful telescopes. If previous observations support
36-683: Was launched. UAO stands for Uppsala Astronomical Observatory , Uppsala , Sweden. DLR stands for the Deutschen Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt , the German Aerospace Center . The founder of Lap Power Claes Wellton-Persson has contributed to the project. The MPC credits the Uppsala–DLR Asteroid Survey with the discovery of the following numbered minor planets during 1999–2005. Astronomical survey Surveys have generally been performed as part of
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