Synthetic tracking (ST) has emerged as a potent technique for observing fast-moving near-Earth objects (NEOs), offering enhanced detection sensitivity and astrometric accuracy by avoiding trailing loss. This approach also empowers small telescopes to use prolonged integration times to achieve high sensitivity for NEO surveys and follow-up observations. In this study, we present the outcomes of ST observations conducted with Pomona College’s 1 m telescope at the Table Mountain Facility and JPL’s robotic telescopes at the Sierra Remote Observatory. The results showcase astrometric accuracy statistics comparable to stellar astrometry, irrespective of an object’s rate of motion, and the capability to detect faint asteroids beyond 20.5th magnitude using 11 inch telescopes. Furthermore, we detail the technical aspects of data processing, including the correction of differential chromatic refraction in the atmosphere and accurate timing for image stacking, which contribute to achieving precise astrometry. We also provide compelling examples that showcase the robustness of ST even when asteroids closely approach stars or bright satellites cause disturbances. Moreover, we illustrate the proficiency of ST in recovering NEO candidates with highly uncertain ephemerides. As a glimpse of the potential of NEO surveys utilizing small robotic telescopes with ST, we present significant statistics from our NEO survey conducted for testing purposes. These findings underscore the promise and effectiveness of ST as a powerful tool for observing fast-moving NEOs, offering valuable insights into their trajectories and characteristics. Overall, the adoption of ST stands to revolutionize fast-moving NEO observations for planetary defense and studying these celestial bodies.

中文翻译：

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使用综合跟踪进行近地天体观测

合成跟踪 (ST) 已成为观测快速移动的近地天体 (NEO) 的有效技术，通过避免尾随损失来提高检测灵敏度和天体测量精度。这种方法还使小型望远镜能够使用更长的积分时间来实现近地天体调查和后续观测的高灵敏度。在这项研究中，我们展示了波莫纳学院桌山设施的 1 m 望远镜和塞拉远程天文台的喷气推进实验室的机器人望远镜进行的 ST 观测结果。结果展示了与恒星天体测量相媲美的天体测量精度统计数据，无论物体的运动速率如何，以及使用 11 英寸望远镜探测超过 20.5 星等的微弱小行星的能力。此外，我们详细介绍了数据处理的技术方面，包括大气中差分色折射的校正和图像叠加的精确定时，这有助于实现精确的天体测量。我们还提供了令人信服的例子，展示 ST 的稳健性，即使小行星接近恒星或明亮的卫星造成干扰。此外，我们还说明了 ST 在恢复具有高度不确定星历的 NEO 候选者方面的熟练程度。为了一睹利用 ST 小型机器人望远镜进行近地天体观测的潜力，我们提供了出于测试目的而进行的近地天体观测的重要统计数据。这些发现强调了 ST 作为观察快速移动的近地天体的强大工具的前景和有效性，为了解其轨迹和特征提供了宝贵的见解。总体而言，ST 的采用将彻底改变行星防御和研究这些天体的快速移动的近地天体观测。