First Results of the VLBI Experiment on Radar Location of the Asteroid 2012 DA14

Abstract

An international VLBI experiment on radio location of the asteroid 2012 DA14 was organized on 2013 February 15–16, during its flyby close to Earth. The purpose of observations was to investigate and specify orbital parameters of the asteroid, as well as to evaluate its rotation period and other characteristics. The irradiation of the asteroid was performed by the RT-70 transmitter at Evpatoria (Crimea, Ukraine), while the reflected signals were successfully accepted by the two 32 m radio telescopes at Medicina (Bologna, Italy) and Irbene (Ventspils, Latvia). Processing and interpretation of the data were performed both in the Radiophysical Research Institute at Nizhny Novgorod and in the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center. The first results of this experiment are presented and discussed.

Observations of Weak Galactic OH Masers in 1.6 GHz Frequency Band Using Irbene RT-32 Radio Telescope

“…The expected increase in sensitivity of RT-32 radio complex after planned modernization (by 2023) seems to be essential to measure delay and frequency of interference using hyper-fine transitions of OH molecules. This study combined with previous experience on acquiring and processing data from the DA14 asteroid [17] (15 February 2013) offers a good starting point for further development. The ultimate goal is to achieve a fine OH maser location of the comet approaching the Sun.…”

The Joint SLR (Optical Range) and Radar-VLBI Satellite Observations using VIRAC Radio Telescope RT32, RT16 and SLR Station Riga

“…[4]. One of such experiments was VLBI international experiment on radio location of the asteroid 2012 DA14 [1], which was organized on 15-16 February 2013 during its flyby close to the Earth. The aim of observations was to investigate and specify orbital parameters of the asteroid, as well as to evaluate its rotation period and some other characteristics.…”