Atronomical CCD observations of the main Saturn’s satellites at Pulkovo Observatory in 2004–2007

The results of astrometric observations of Saturn’s satellites (S1–S8) obtained using a 26-inch refractor and a normal astrograph at Pulkovo Observatory in 2004–2007 are given. High-accuracy equatorial coordinates of Saturn’s satellites in the system of the UCAC2 reference catalog and the relative “satellite-satellite” positions suitable for specifying their motion theories are obtained. The observations are compared with the DE405 + TASS1.7 and INPOP06 + TASS1.7 theories of motion. The root-mean-square errors of the obtained satellite positions lie within the range of 10–50 mas, as far as the intrinsic convergence is concerned, and 20–70 mas, as far as the extrinsic one is concerned. The observation results are included into the astrometrical database of the Pulkovo Observatory (www.puldb.ru).     

Astrometric observations of Uranus with the Pulkovo Normal astrograph

The positions of Uranus were observed astrometrically with a CCD detector attached to the Pulkovo Normal astrograph (D/F = 0.33 m/3.5 m, S2C CCD, FOV 18′ × 16′). We provide the positions in the time interval from 2006 to 2011. Reduction of the CCD images was made with reference to the UCAC3 catalogue. The (O-C) values were calculated using the “Natural Satellites Service”. The results were compared with two contemporary theories of Uranus’s motion: INPOP10 and DE414/LE414. The obtained equatorial coordinates correspond well to both theories. On average, (O-C) over both coordinates relative to both theories are 0.1″.     

Predictions and observations of events and configurations occurring during the Uranian equinox

The occurrence of the Earth and Sun transits through the equatorial plane of Uranus will bring us the opportunity for observations only possible at that time: mutual events of the satellites, search for new faint satellites and measurement of the thickness of the rings.The predictions of the mutual events need a theoretical model of the motion of the satellites. The calculated occurrences of the occultations and eclipses highly depend on the model since these predictions are very sensitive to the relative positions of the satellites. A difference of 0.05 arcsec in latitude may make an event inexistent and the accuracy of the theoretical models is around 0.1 arcsec.In order to be sure of the occurrence of each event, we made the predictions using three theoretical models: the first one is GUST86 made by Laskar and Jacobson in 1986, the second is GUST06 based on the former model fitted by Emelianov on new observations and the third one is LA06 based on a brand new theory with an accuracy 10 times better than GUST and fitted on recent observations made since 1950.This comparison shows that some events predicted with one model are not predicted using another one. We try to select the events which will occur surely in order to help the observers to catch the best phenomena.The search for new satellites and the measurement of the thickness of the rings are planned by means of observations at the time of the transit of the Earth in the ring plane.     

天王星卫星两种定标方法测定结果的比较

利用新发表的高精度、高密度天体测量星表UCAC2,对天王星的五颗主要卫星的CCD观测图像重新进行量测,采用不同方法作定标归算,并使用两种理论模型(GUST86和GUST06模型)计算卫星的理论位置。对不同方法所得到的卫星位置的O-C结果的分析和比较表明,本文获得的卫星位置精度,除天卫五(Miranda)有显著提高,其他4颗卫星的位置精度基本相同。本文中天卫一和天卫三的结果与"亮卫星定标法"的结果在精度上相当,天卫二的位置精度与其他天王星卫星的位置精度具有较好的一致性,这从另一方面证明了我们的"亮卫星定标法"的可靠性。此外我们还获得了天卫四的位置与精度。     

现代天王星卫星运动定量理论的研究和发展

1986年“旅行者2号”飞越天于星期间，由空间无线电和光学观测获得的卫星资料首次给出天王星5颗主要卫星质量的可靠估计，从而推动了现代天王星卫星运动定量理论的建立。Laskar于1986年建立了第一个相对完整的天王星主要卫星的(半）分析理论——GUST86，其高精度已被许多学者的实算证实。之后，对理论的改进作出贡献的学者有：Malhotra等人(1989）、Lazzaro等人(1987，1991)分析研究了天王星卫星系统中近共振项对长期摄动解的影响；Taylor(1998)采用数值积分拟合观测资料，以更精确地测定卫星质量；Christou和Murray(1997)则将一个2阶Laplace—Lagrange理论应用于天王星卫星系统。对这些学者的工作作一概述。     

天王星卫星的星历表计算

根据天王星卫星的运动理论模型（GUST86），建立了一套5颗主要卫星的星历表计算和误差分析程序。对部分高精度卫星观测位置资料进行的O－C计算和分析表明了计算程序的正确性和实用性。     

Observations of the Galilean moons of Jupiter in 2013–2015 at Pulkovo

Observational results are presented for Jupiter and its Galilean moons from the Normal Astrograph at Pulkovo Observatory in 2013–2015. The following data are obtained: 154 positions of the Galilean satellites and 47 calculated positions of Jupiter in the system of the UCAC4 (ICRS, J2000.0) catalogue; the differential coordinates of the satellites relative to one another are determined. The mean errors of the satellites’ normal places in right ascension and declination over the entire observational period are, respectively: ε_α = 0.0065″ and ε_δ = 0.0068″, and their standard deviations are σ_α = 0.0804″ and σ_δ = 0.0845″. The equatorial coordinates are compared with planetary and satellite motion theories. The average (O–C) residuals in the two coordinates relative to the motion theories are 0.05″ or less. The best agreement with the observations is achieved by a combination of the EPM2011m and V. Lainey-V.2.0|V1.1 motion theories; the average (O–C) residuals are 0.03″ or less. The (O–C) residuals for the features of the positions of Io and Ganymede are comparable with measurement errors. Jupiter’s positions calculated from the observations of the satellites and their theoretical jovicentric coordinates are in good agreement with the motion theories. The (О–С) residuals for Jupiter’s coordinates are, on average, 0.027″ and–0.025″ in the two coordinates.     

The accuracy of observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter taken at the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia

The sets of photographic observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter taken at the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia are analyzed here. Positional observations of the system of Jupiter were made in the period from 1985 to 1994 with the use of the double Zeiss astrograph in order to determine the exact coordinates of Jupiter and its satellites. The accurate positions of the satellites and Jupiter itself, as well as their stellar (equatorial) coordinates relative to the stars of the currently available catalogs and the relative ??satellite ?? satellite?? coordinates were obtained from the observations. From the comparison of the observation results with the modern theories of motion of satellites, the accuracy in determining the positions of the satellites and Jupiter was analyzed. The results of observations are presented in the Pulkovo database of observations of Solar System bodies that is accessible to users at http://www.puldb.ru.     

Astrometric observations of planetary satellites at the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory

We present and discuss the results of the astrometry project during which we observed the satellites of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune at the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory (Georgia) between 1983 and 1994. Observations at the Abastumani Observatory were performed with the double Zeiss astrograph (DZA: D/F = 400/3024 mm) and AZT-11 telescope (F = 16 m). We processed a large array of observations and determined exact coordinates of the planets and their satellites in a system of reference stars of modern catalogues as well as relative coordinates of the satellites. The results were compared with modern ephemerides using the MULTI-SAT software. The comparison enabled us to estimate the accuracy of observations (their random and systematic uncertainties) and the accuracy of modern theories of the motion of planets and their satellites. Random uncertainties of observations are estimated to be 0.10??C0.40?? for various objects and observational conditions. Observational results obtained for Uranus, Neptune and the satellites Titania and Oberon were shown to deviate appreciably and systematically from theories of their motion. The results of observations are presented in the Pulkovo database for Solar System bodies that is available at the website http://www.puldb.ru.     

天王星卫星位置可视化软件设计

为了满足大行星卫星的高精度CCD位置观测与运动理论研究工作的需要 ,采用天王星 5颗主要卫星摄动理论模型 (Gust86 )作为核心 ,设计了一个天王星视位置可视化软件。该软件具有卫星证认 ,最佳观测时段选取 ,精确模拟卫星视运动和实时引导CCD精密定位观测等功能。     

Astrometric Observations of the Galilean Moons of Jupiter at the Pulkovo Normal Astrograph in 2016−2017

We present the results of observations of the Galilean moons of Jupiter carried out at the Normal Astrograph of the Pulkovo Observatory in 2016?2017. We obtained 761 positions of the Galilean moons of Jupiter in the system of the Gaia DR1 catalog (ICRF, J2000.0) and 854 differential coordinates of the satellites relative to each other. The mean errors in the satellites’ normal places and the corresponding root-mean-square deviations are ε_α = 0.0020′′, ε_δ = 0.0027′′, σ_α = 0.0546′′, and σ_δ = 0.0757′′. The equatorial coordinates of the moons are compared to the motion theories of planets and satellites. On average, the (O–C) residuals in the both coordinates relative to the motion theories are less than 0.031′′. The best agreement with observations is achieved by a combination of the EPM2015 and V. Lainey-V.2.0|V1.1 motion theories, which yields the average (O–C) residuals of approximately 0.02″. Peculiarities in the behavior of the (O–C) residuals and error values in Ganymede have been noticed.     

Astrometric observations of major satellites of Saturn with a 26-inch refractor

The results of observations of Saturn and its satellites with the 26-inch refractor at Pulkovo are presented. Over the observing period from January 2008 until May 2009, results were found from more than 5000 CCD frames suitable for measurement. On the basis of these frames, 183 positions of major satellites of Saturn (with the exception of Mimas) were obtained. The astrometric reduction was based on the Turner method, with the use of the UCAC2 catalog as a reference. The obtained equatorial coordinates of satellites were compared with the TASS 1.7 theory, and results of comparison are presented. The accuracy of observed positions is 0.05″ on average. Positions of Saturn, calculated on the basis of positions of satellites and their theoretical saturnocentric coordinates according to the TASS 1.7, and the differential coordinates of satellites relative to each other, are also given.     

Secular perturbations of fictitious satellites of uranus

Secular perturbations of fictitious satellites that are initially circular and in the equatorial plane of Uranus are discussed. Satellites located in the region where the solar perturbation is dominant become highly eccentric and inclined with respect to the equator, and have a possibility to collide with Uranus. Satellites located in the region where the oblateness perturbation is dominant keep the original eccentricity and the inclination. A scenario of a possible extinction of outer satellites of Uranus is also discussed.     

Celestial-mechanical peculiarities of Uranus’s satellite system

We consider the structural peculiarities of Uranus’s satellite system associated with its separation into two groups: inner equatorial satellites moving in nearly circular orbits and distant irregular satellites with retrograde motion in highly elliptical orbits. The intermediate region is free from satellites in a wide range of semimajor axes. By analyzing the evolution of satellite orbits under the combined effect of solar attraction and Uranus’s oblateness, we offer a celestial-mechanical explanation for the absence of equatorial satellites in this region. M.L. Lidov’s studies during 1961–1963 have served as a basis for our analysis.     

New confirmation of image-processing techniques for astrometry of Saturn and its satellites

The image-processing techniques used by Peng et al. are further improved to measure precisely the positions of Saturn and its satellites. 495 CCD images taken with the 1-m telescope at the Yunnan Observatory during the years 2002–2004 are processed with these techniques. These measured pixel positions are compared to their theoretical positions computed with the ephemerides of TASS1.7 for the satellites and JPL DE405 for Saturn itself. Analysis of the data for the intersatellite positions among four bright Saturnian satellites (S3–S6) and for Saturn–satellite (i.e. Saturn–Titan) positions shows that these measured positions have the same dispersions, i.e. about 0.05 and 0.06 arcsec in right ascension and declination, respectively. However, for the fainter satellites, Enceladus and Mimas, poorer residuals up to 0.1 and 0.2 arcsec, respectively, in both directions are found mainly due to their small separations from the primary planet and short exposure time in order to obtain useful images of Saturn.     

Photographic observations of Saturn’s moons at the MAO NAS of Ukraine in 1961–1990

A catalog of 1385 astrometric positions of Saturn’s moons S2–S9 has been compiled with Tycho-2 as a reference frame from photographic observations obtained at the Main Astronomical Observatory, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, in 1961–1990. Astronegatives have been digitized with an Epson Expression 10000XL commercial scanner in 16-bit grayscale with a resolution of 1200 dpi. Reduction has been performed in the LINUX-MIDAS-ROMAFOT software supplemented with additional modules. The internal positional accuracy of the reduction is 0.09…0.23′′ for both coordinates and 0.27…0.37^m for the photographic magnitudes of the Tycho-2 catalog. The calculated topocentric positions of the moons are compared online with the IMCCE ephemeris data (DE405 + TASS1,7). Moon-minus-moon differential coordinates are found for most of the moons and compared with theoretical data (http://lnfm1.sai.msu.ru/neb/nss/nssephmr.htm).     

Dynamical model of motion for asteroids based on the DE405 theory

A numerical model of motion for asteroids was developed on the basis of the DE405 theory. The positions of main-belt asteroids are calculated accurate to 0.03 mas when the integration is taken over a 50-year interval. For the model to be computationally stable, the local truncation error of integration should be equal to 10^?14 and the double precision of the Standard for Binary Floating-Point Arithmetic IEEE 754-1985 should be used.     

Peculiarities of Uranus’s satellite system

The absence of Uranus’s equatorial satellites in the region of approximately equal influence of its oblateness and solar perturbations is explained in terms of an improved physical model. This model is more complete than the previously studied case of an integrable averaged problem. The model improvement stems from the fact that the inclination of Uranus’s equator to the ecliptic differs by 90° and that the orbital evolution of Uranus due to secular planetary perturbations is taken into account. The lifetime of Uranus’s hypothetical satellites in orbits with semimajor axes 1.3–7 million km can be estimated by numerically integrating the evolution equations to be ～10⁴ yr. This is the time scale on which the evolution of the orbits leads to their intersection with the orbits of inner satellites.     

Globular Clusters: Absolute Proper Motions and Galactic Orbits

We cross-match objects from several different astronomical catalogs to determine the absolute proper motions of stars within the 30-arcmin radius fields of 115 Milky-Way globular clusters with the accuracy of 1–2 mas yr^?1. The proper motions are based on positional data recovered from the USNO-B1, 2MASS, URAT1, ALLWISE, UCAC5, and Gaia DR1 surveys with up to ten positions spanning an epoch difference of up to about 65 years, and reduced to Gaia DR1 TGAS frame using UCAC5 as the reference catalog. Cluster members are photometrically identified by selecting horizontal- and red-giant branch stars on color–magnitude diagrams, and the mean absolute proper motions of the clusters with a typical formal error of about 0.4 mas yr^?1 are computed by averaging the proper motions of selected members. The inferred absolute proper motions of clusters are combined with available radial-velocity data and heliocentric distance estimates to compute the cluster orbits in terms of the Galactic potential models based on Miyamoto and Nagai disk, Hernquist spheroid, and modified isothermal dark-matter halo (axisymmetric model without a bar) and the same model + rotating Ferre’s bar (non-axisymmetric). Five distant clusters have higher-than-escape velocities, most likely due to large errors of computed transversal velocities, whereas the computed orbits of all other clusters remain bound to the Galaxy. Unlike previously published results, we find the bar to affect substantially the orbits of most of the clusters, even those at large Galactocentric distances, bringing appreciable chaotization, especially in the portions of the orbits close to the Galactic center, and stretching out the orbits of some of the thick-disk clusters.     

Investigation of the motions of fast stars based on observations with the Pulkovo normal astrograph

Astrometric CCD observations of 1123 stars with large proper motions (μ > 300 mas yr⁻¹) from the LSPM (I/298) catalog in the declination zone +30°–+70° have been carried out with the Pulkovo normal astrograph since 2006. The observational program includes mostly stars that previously have not entered into high-accuracy projects to determine the proper motions. Our studies are aimed at determining new proper motions of fast stars in the HCRF/UCAC3 system and searching for stars with invisible companions in the immediate Galactic neighborhoods of the Sun. Having analyzed about 10 000 CCD frames, we have obtained the equatorial coordinates of 414 program stars in the HCRF/UCAC3 system at an accuracy level of 10–50 mas and determined their new proper motions. To derive the proper motions, we have used the data from several star catalogs and surveys (M2000, CMC14, 2MASS, SDSS) as early epochs. The epoch differences range from 5 to 13 years (on average, about 10 years); the mean accuracy of the derived proper motions is 4–5 mas yr⁻¹. For 70 stars, we have revealed significant differences between the derived proper motions and those from the LSPM and I/306A catalogs (these proper motions characterize the mean motion of the photocenter in 50 years or more). Apart from systematic errors, these differences can result from the existence of invisible components of the program stars.