OGO-1 Satellite (GIF) From left to right, Holden Suzuki and Wilson Chau Observations on the Faulkes North telescope in Haleakal were used to track the OGO-1 artist’s design. Credit: NASA
Two important Maui school scholars saw a 250-pound area satellite that was scheduled to enter Earth’s environment on Saturday, August 29. Scientists expect the inoperable satellite, OGO-1, to separate over the South Pacific, away from populated regions approximately 10:45 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time. The awareness astronomer at the University of Hawaii’s Institute of Astronomy (IfA), JD Armstrong, mentors eighth graders from Maui Waena High School, Holden Suzuki and Wilson Chau, and the couple used observations from the Faulkes Telescope North Observatory (LCO) in Haleakal to track OGO-1.
Suzuki and Chau followed up after NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) issued a notification of an object that would likely have an effect on Earth. Based on the knowledge received through academics and scientists from other observatories, it was discovered that the target was not an asteroid, but a satellite introduced by NASA more than 50 years ago. OG0-1 is one of six primary orbital geophysical missions introduced between 1964 and 1969. These were some of the largest clinical satellites, designed to examine the atmosphere, magnetosphere, and area between Earth and Earth’s Moon. The last of the missions ceased operations in 1972.
“Some people wonder if it is a good idea to put the safety of the planet in the hands of teenagers. I see them as scientists, and if they know what they are doing then age doesn’t make much difference,” said Armstrong. “I’ve seen a lot of students who do things like this end up getting college scholarships. It is great to see them get the opportunity to do real science, and then have the experience help pay for their education.”
Maui telescopes are for tracking potentially harmful satellites
Haleakal observatories play an essential role in satellite tracking, with observations from the IfA and LCO telescopes and the Air Force’s Maui Space Surveillance Complex. The site houses the complex electrooptic system, or AEOS, a 3.6-meter telescope. It is the largest optical telescope in the country designed to track satellites and missiles with visual and infrared sensors to gather knowledge about elements near Earth and deep space. These telescopes are a component of “air traffic control” that tracks the thousands of satellites in Earth orbit, warns of possible collisions and re-entry to Earth.
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On July 20, the University of Hawaii’s Pan-STARRS1 telescope at the most sensitive point in Haleakal discovered a 65-foot-diameter asteroid that gave the impression that it was likely passing near Earth. Asteroid 2020 OO1 flew safely over Earth a week later. Some of the first follow-up photographs of the technique of asteroids were taken by academics from the Hawaii high school who participated in the IFA HI STAR program, LCO telescopes.
Suzuki and Chau have been praised for their previous observations of the outstanding SpaceX Tesla unveiled in February 2018. Using filtered images, they measured the color of the car in the area and the attached rocket propellant. His paintings were presented at the Maui County Science and Engineering Fair and won several awards, adding first place in the Junior Division. The duo also ranked first in the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Hall in Physics and Astronomy in the Junior Division and was invited to participate in the Broadcom MASTERS Science Competition.
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