CoLiTec- Collection Light Technology : Software for automated asteroids and comets discoveries

About us

About CoLiTec project

The group of astrosoft’s designers was created March 1, 2009 and is working on the astrosoft’s elaboration, scientific articles and thesis in its members’ spare (from their full-time jobs) time.

The first project carried on by the group yielded the first (on the territory of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)) automatic discovery of an asteroid (May 2010), done by observers from Andrushivka Astronomical Observatory (Kiev, founder and manager Yurii Ivashchenko). Observers stated that using the software, they had neither irritability nor insomnia after the work.
The software is under continual refinement. For the end of 2010 the present software was used by 3 CIS observatories.

Since November 27, 2010 СoLiTec (СLT) has been successfully used by Russian remotely ISON-NM observatory (Mayhill, New Mexico, USA) within its project dedicated to the observation and cataloging of space debris ISON (International Scientific Optical Network), managed by Igor Molotov. More than 1000 asteroids have been discovered in this observatory using the present software (dedication to the 50th anniversary of the first human’s flight in space April 12, 2011)

December 10, 2010 — Leonid Elenin (Russian astronomer, scientific associate of Keldysh Institute of applied mathematics, ISON-NM leading asteroids’ observer) discovered the comet C/2010 X1 (Elenin) using СoLiTec. That was the first discovery made by a Russian astronomer for the last 20 years. The Comet Elenin is moving in ecliptic plane and in October 2011 will be so close to the Earth that it will be for some time visible to the naked eye. As a result the Comet Elenin was widely discussed in the international media.

CoLiTec Team

Vadym Savanevych
Project Manager of CoLiTec Team, leading designer of computing algorithm of the software for automatic detection of the asteroids and comets, manager in Western Radio Technical Surveillance Center, National Space Agency of Ukraine, doctor of technical sciences, professor (speciality 01.05.02 “mathematical modelling and computation methods”)

Sergii Khlamov
Software Development Team Lead, Senior Test Engineer, Quality Assurance, PhD (speciality 01.05.02 “mathematical modelling and computation methods”) in KhNURE

Artem Pogorelov
Software developer, graduate student of Computer Engineering department of KhNURE

Nataliia Sokovikova
Documentation, PhD (speciality 01.05.02 “mathematical modelling and computation methods”) in KhNURE

Iana Movsesian
Documentation, PhD (speciality 01.05.02 “mathematical modelling and computation methods”) in KhNURE

Anna Dashkova
Software developer, documentation, teacher at the Zaporizhzhya Institute of Economics and Information Technologies

Olexander Briukhovetskyi
Leading designer of software code, observer, engineer in Western Radio Technical Surveillance Center, National Space Agency of Ukraine, PhD (speciality 01.05.02 “mathematical modelling and computation methods”) in KhNURE

Vlasenko Vladimir
Designer of frames correction software, engineer in Western Radio Technical Surveillance Center, National Space Agency of Ukraine

Eugen Dikov
Designer of all programming parts of software code; of web application and frames viewer; took part in the development of matching module. Professional programmer and astronomer; leading programmer of Recearch and Design Institute of Micrography (Kharkiv)

Michail Bezkrovniy
Software developer, researcher, teacher at the Zaporizhzhya Institute of Economics and Information Technologies

Partners


GAIA


Paris Observatory

pleine-lune.org
pleine-lune.org


IAU Minor Planet Center


Vihorlatská hvezdáreň v Humennom


Ukrainian Virtual Observatory


Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine



583 Odessa-Mayaki

Products

License

COLITEC SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Before using CoLiTec software, which is owned by CoLiTec developers group is necessary read the following terms of license agreement. Any using of the software by you means full and unconditional acceptance of its terms.

If you do not fully accept the terms of license agreement, you shall not use software for any purpose.

1.GRANT OF LICENSE.

This End User License is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or an entity) and developers group from Collection Light Technology (CoLiTec) project. CoLiTec project provides you the License Agreement (“License”) for using CoLiTec software (“Software”), and you accept, a limited, nonexclusive license to use the Software on the terms defined in this Agreement. For the purposes of this License Agreement, Software includes any updates, enhancements, modifications, revisions, plugins or additions to the software developed by CoLiTec project, available to users through a web site (http://neoastrosoft.com). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the developers are under no obligation to provide any updates, enhancements, modifications, revisions, plugins or additions to the software.

1.1. CoLiTec installation and using
By accepting this License, you may install a copy of the program to no more than one computer.

1.2. Copies and modifications
Prohibited the reverse engineering, decompiling, disassembling or any translations of the Software. Prohibited in any way modification or adaptation of the Software. Prohibited from providing or distributing the Software among others. CoLiTec distribution is only possible through the web site (http://neoastrosoft.com).

1.3. License grant for remote access to CoLiTec
1.3.1. To access your licensed copies of the software and its use, you can use remote access technologies (for example, Remote Desktop, Radmin, Team Viewer), provided, however, that using remote access software accesses and uses only the primary user of the device, to which remote access occurs. These rights do not allow remote access at the same time you use the software on a device that created the remote session.

1.3.2. With the mutual agreement the CoLiTec developers are entitled to access to the remote user’s machine for maintenance, troubleshooting and debugging the Software, while using remote access technologies (for example, Remote Desktop, Radmin, Team Viewer). Remote access can be provided by the user permanently or on developer’s request.

1.3.3. People with full “service” license for the Software may ask developers to assist them using remote access technologies (for example, Remote Desktop, Radmin, Team Viewer).

1.4. License grant for documentation
Documentation accompanying software is licensed for internal, non-commercial use.

2. DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS

2.1. User undertakes to issue by request the non-financial implementation act of the Software and processed data (measured, discovered objects).

2.2. In articles about the CoLiTec products, developers have the rights to include achievements of user of the Software with adding as co-authors the people whom he indicated.

2.3. During publication of the research results that received with help of Software, it is necessary to use link to the official web site (http://neoastrosoft.com) and/or citation to publication, which was written by CoLiTec developers.

3. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY.

3.1. Reports using, License violations and remedies.
CoLiTec developers reserve the rights to obtain information of the Software using, including user names, IP-addresses, and other proprietary information related to this issue. Any unauthorized Software using will be considered by developers as a breach of this License by the user.

3.2. Property rights on the Software.
You acknowledge that the Software is the property of CoLiTec developers, and that the Software is protected by law “on copyright and related rights.” You also acknowledge and agree that developers own all rights and interests in the Software, including associated intellectual property rights in accordance with the laws “on copyright and related rights”, “on trade secrets” and “trademark”. This License does not grant you any ownership interest in the Software, but only the limited rights of the Software using that can be withdrawn by CoLiTec developers in accordance with the terms of this License.

4. TERM AND TERMINATION

This License shall enter into force after your acceptance of the terms of it, or after you downloading, accessing and using the Software, even if you have not explicitly agreed to the terms of the License. This License shall remain in effect until terminated. Without prejudice to any other rights, this License will be terminated automatically if you breach any of the following restrictions or requirements. You may terminate this License at any time by sending e-mail notification about your decision to terminate the License and removing Software to colitec@neoastrosoft.com. If you breach any of the terms of License, the developers have the rights to terminate this License. Upon termination of the License by the developers you agree to remove the Software.

5. LIMITATION OF LICENSE

5.1. Software warranty
CoLiTec software is provided «as is». CoLiTec developers clearly state that they do not provide assurance that the Software will meet your requirements, as well as that the Software will be uninterrupted during processing. You are responsible for the selection of software that allows you achieving the intended results, as well as responsibility for the results to be achieved by the Software using. You must bear all risks associated with the quality and performance of the Software.

5.2. Application of losses
In any cases, developers are not liable to you or any other related to you party for any incidental, indirect, special, exemplary or punitive damages or loss of profits, even if the developers were aware of the possibility of such damages.

5.3. Software improvements
Software user has the rights to make suggestions to refine and improve the Software. All of them will be considered and possibly eventually accounted for.

6. CHANGES IN TERMS OF LICENSE

This License may be changed unilaterally by the developers. User notification about changes in the terms of this License will be published on the web site (http://neoastrosoft.com). These changes in the terms of the License will enter into force on the date of their publication, unless otherwise specified in the relevant publication.

7. SOFTWARE «NOT FOR SALE»

CoLiTec software «Not for Resale» («NFR») cannot be sold or transferred for a fee, it can be used for demonstration purposes only, testing or evaluation.

8. COMPONENTS SEPARATION

CoLiTec software licensed as a single product. Its components should not be separated for using on the multiple devices.

9. BAN ON TRANSFERRING TO TEMPORARY AND COMMERCIAL USING

Prohibited the providing CoLiTec software for rent, leasing, lending and using as network service to third parties on a commercial basis.

10. CONSENT TO USE OF DATA

By user’s request the CoLiTec developers can collect and use technical information gathered during providing the support services in relation to the Software. CoLiTec developers may use this information solely to improve its products or to provide customized services or technologies, and will not disclose this information in a form that personally identifies you.

11. FULLNESS OF LICENSE

If you have questions concerning to the License, or, if necessary, contact the CoLiTec developers for some reason – use the address information supplied with the CoLiTecVS software (colitec@neoastrosoft.com), or visit the web site (http://neoastrosoft.com).

Downloads

On this page you can download free version of the latest and actual version of the CoLiTec software. Also CoLiTec Company suggests you to visit our official forum http://forum.neoastrosoft.com. For free CoLiTec software testing you can use the following test series of frames*.

If you have any comments or errors, please use feedback and bug report form.

For the information about the next version or the purchase of a new full version
please contact with developers (colitec@neoastrosoft.com) or use order form.

Required to use installed Java 8.

Supported OS (32-bit/64-bit):

We hope for further cooperation.
To serve you better in the near future, please share your customer experience with us at colitec@neoastrosoft.com.

Best regards,
CoLiTec Company team.

Main functions of CoLiTec software

Intraframe processing:

Interframe processing:

Astrometric and photometric frames’ reduction:

OLDAS (OnLine Data Analysis System):

It allows for near real-time data processing and assigns confirmation of the most interesting objects at the night of their preliminary discovery.

LookSky:

Mobile viewer of CoLiTec results:

Software: storage and access to all obtained images:


Fig. 1.1. CoLiTec software functions

CoLiTec – Collection Light Technology

CoLiTec – software for automated asteroids and comets discoveries in a series of CCD-frames.
The CoLiTec group was created March 1, 2009 and is working on the astrosoft’s elaboration and scientific articles.

CoLiTec is the only public application that provides automated detection of objects with nonzero apparent motion. This application has one of the world best observation accuracy indices. This is the only application in the world which has stable performance when working with wide fields, the only program in CIS and Baltic states.

CoLiTec software performs intraframe and interframe personnel processing. Kernel of CoLiTec software detects objects based on the accumulation of statistics, proportional energy image along the possible trajectories of the object.

CoLiTec implemented parallelization method for data processing that allows you to quickly process data and to confirm the most interesting objects found in their opening night. CoLiTec includes plugins for detecting very slow, very fast objects and objects with near-zero apparent motion (for example, comet ISON). CoLiTec can also detect optical lightening of gamma-ray bursts. Currently, the program is adapted for use on wide-field telescopes.

CoLiTec displays its performance results via a user-friendly viewer. Viewer is separate from the main program – you can see the results independently in CoLiTec software while the main program continues processing.

The viewer mobile version is available. With a modern mobile phone or pad, it is possible to monitor CoLiTec performance results from anywhere in the world.

The software (http://91.212.253.48:8080/siap) developed by CoLiTec team gives the opportunity to publish the Observatory’s frames under the SIA protocol, and, in future, will support on-time upload of open data provided by observatories that are included in IVOA.

The software is divided into different executable modules which are connected through files. It represents the ideology of open architecture and permits to use independently created software at each stage of processing.

By means of CoLiTec for the first time in the CIS and Baltic an asteroid and a comet in the automated mode were discovered. With CoLiTec in 2012(2011) 80 (86) % of observations and 74 (75) % of discoveries of asteroids in the specified countries are accomplished.

Using CoLiTec 5 of 7 comets were discovered in the CIS and Baltic states over the last 20 years. December 10, 2010 using the CoLiTec program was discovered comet C/2010 X1 (Elenin), which was the first comet discovered by astronomer CIS over the past 20 years.

CoLiTecVS – Variable Stars

CoLiTecVS (Variable Stars) is the cross-platform software for automated creation of the light curves of investigated variable stars. Management and processing control of the different types of astronomical data are performed by CoLiTec Control Center (3C). 3С is a cross-platform module of the CoLiTecVS software, which allows user launching of the different processing stages by using corresponding modules.

Features:

Minimal system requirements:

License

Filter for brightness equalization

FrameSmooth – is a new cross-platform version of the well-reputed module of the CoLiTec software, designed for equalization of the residual background component of the images. It allows processing images with any formats, including astronomical frames. Module is based on filtering of the images using the inverse median filter and the astronomical master-frames (Bias, Dark and Flat). The most common image formats (.jpg, .png) and digital frames (.fit, .fits) are supported with the possibility of transformation the images to fits format

Features:

Minimal system requirements:

License


LookFits

LookFits is a lister-plugin (WLX) of Total Commander and Double Commander for view files in FITS format.

Features:

License

LookSky

LookSky – is a new cross-platform version of the frames viewer of the CoLiTec software for automated asteroids and comets discoveries in a series of CCD-frames.

Features:

Minimal system requirements:

License


ThresHolds

ThresHolds – is a new cross-platform version of the settings editor of the CoLiTec software for automated asteroids and comets discoveries in a series of CCD-frames, designed for the accurate adjustment of all parameters that are used by different CoLiTec modules.

Features:

Minimal system requirements:

License


Bug report

If you find a bug you can help us to improve our CoLiTec software. You can contact with us in any way you prefer. Our E-mail for questions and suggestions is support@neoastrosoft.com.

Before asking a question suggest you to visit our official forum http://forum.neoastrosoft.com/.

It’s enough to fill in the form using the following steps:

  1. Fill in “Your Name”, “Your Email” fields;
  2. Fill in the message subject;
  3. Choose Product;
  4. Choose Bug type (Bug in the program or Proposal for software improvement);
  5. Fill in the message body;
  6. Attach files as visual and information error confirmation.
    IMPORTANT! Your detailed bug description allows to easier and faster fixing it by CoLiTec software developers.

It is desirable that the message body contained the following entries, specifying the bug:

Recommended list of attached files:

  1. “Process_CLT.log” processing log-file;
  2. “CoLiTec.xml” – your configuration file;
  3. “Personal.xml” – your personal configuration file;
  4. Bugs screenshot for its visualization;
  5. *.zip with series.

CoLiTec Company appreciates any suggestions and recommendations from our customers. Every day we improve our CoLiTec software. To serve you better in the near future, please share your customer experience with us at colitec@neoastrosoft.com.

CoLiTec vs Astrometrica

Features: CoLiTec Astrometrica
Ability for quick selection of the configuration profile
Frames calibration
Configuration and image transformation tools
Astrometric reduction of CCD-frames with wide fields of view (2 ° or more)
Supporting of local catalogs of the reference stars
List of supported local catalogs Tycho-2,
USNO A2.0,
USNO B1.0,
XPM,
UCAC3,
UCAC4 USNO A2.0,
USNO B1.0,
UCAC3,
UCAC4,
CMC-14,
CMC-15,
PPMXL,
URAT-1
Supporting of online catalogs of the reference stars
List of supported online catalogs USNO B1.0,
NOMAD,
UCAC4,
UCAC5,
SDSS DR9,
APASS DR9,
Tycho-2,
GAIA-DR2 USNO B1.0,
UCAC3,
UCAC4,
CMC-14,
CMC-15,
PPMXL,
URAT-1,
NOMAD,
GAIA-DR2
The possibility of separate using of catalogs for astrometric and photometric reduction
Recording of coordinates information (WCS) to the header of FITS-frame
Astrometric reduction of the “strokes”
Frames adding technique – Track & Stack
Interactive mode for the objects measuring
”Magnifier” tool
Automatic search of moving objects
Automatic search of moving faint objects (SNR ~ 2.5)
Automatic processing mode of data flow
Visual inspection of automatically detected moving objects
Issuance of astrometric measurements in MPC format
Sending of measurements to MPC from the program interface
Saving the results of the frames processing (detected real objects, objects rejected by the operator and others.)
Identification of the detected moving objects with a local database MPCORB
Identification of the detected moving objects with online database MPCORB (MPC)
Identification of stationary objects with a database of variable stars (VSX)
Identification of stationary objects with a database of galaxies (HyperLeda)
Displaying of known and detected objects on the frame
Open source
Modular construction (ability to connect the individual modules)

CoLiTec software as well as Astrometrica software is implementing such functions:

CoLiTec software, unlike Astrometrica software is implementing such functions/features/operations:

CoLiTec software does not implement such functions / features / operations:

CoLiTec software as well as Astrometrica software does not implement such functions:

CoLiTec discoveries

CoLiTec has assisted in making 1570 preliminary discoveries of asteroids and comets.

Comets

Small celestial body having a foggy view, orbiting the Sun in conic section with a very extended orbit. When a comet approaching the sun can form a long tail of gas and dust.

C/2010 X1 (Elenin)

In December 2010 using CoLiTec software in Russia for the first time in 20 years was opened comet C/2010 X1 (Elenin). Discoverer of the comet is astronomer Leonid Elenin, the Institute of Applied Mathematics Keldysh. In accordance with Circular Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union’s new comet C/2010 X1 received the designation and name of the discoverer, Elenin. The discovery was made at the observatory ISON-NM, located in the U.S. state of New Mexico, USA. Observatory in the distance run by Russian scientists.

The next day after the discovery of comet data were confirmed by Russian, Ukrainian and Uzbek astronomers using observations at the observatory Maidanak in Uzbekistan. A day later, were obtained confirmation from the American and Japanese scientists. When you open a comet were used telescope «Centurion 18." During the opening of the comet had a magnitude of 19.5, which is about 150,000 times (= 2,51219,5-6,5) is weaker than the value of 6.5, which is able to distinguish with the naked eye. Discoverer Leonid Elenin evaluates diameter comet nucleus is 3-4 km. As of April 2011 the comet had a value of 15 (roughly the brightness of Pluto), and the diameter of the coma of the comet is estimated at 80 000 km.

At the end of August 2011 the comet nucleus collapsed, and its brightness is significantly diminished. September 10, 2011 Comet Elenin passed perihelion. October 16, 2011 the comet approached the Earth at a minimum distance - 34.9 million kilometers (0.23 AU). October 24 poster ISON-NM Observatory announced the discovery of a cloud of dust particles that are left after the destruction of the “Russian” comet. The first remains of comet Elenin discovered by amateur astronomers from Italy and the UK, and in the night from 21 to 22 October 2011 the presence and movement of the dust cloud confirmed observations at the observatory ISON-NM.

P/2011 NO1

More than six months after the opening of the first comet C/2010 X1 (Elenin) Russian astronomers using CoLiTec software opened another new comet. Comet received index P/2011 NO1. It again became a pioneer Leonid Elenin along with his colleague Igor Molotov. The comet was discovered in images taken with the help of Russian automated observatory ISON-NM (New Mexico, USA).

In observations of July 7, 2011 by Leonid Elenin observatory ISON-NM was found to receiving 100% rating NEA and sent to a confirmation page ASP (http://www.minorplanetcenter.net/iau/NEO/ToConfirm.html). This facility was originally recognized Neas what was published to accompany the Circular (http://www.minorplanetcenter.net/mpec/K11/K11O09.html), in which he was given the temporary designation 2011 NO1. In this case there is good reason to consider this comet. And now, a new circular IFAs MPEC 2011-O10: COMET P/2011 NO1 (http://www.minorplanetcenter.net/mpec/K11/K11O10.html) confirmed the cometary nature of the object! Another recognition of the opening of the comet was the electronic telegram number 2768 Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams (http://www.cbat.eps.harvard.edu/iau/cbet/002700/CBET002768.txt).

This is the second comet, discovered by using CoLiTec software.

C/2012 S1 ISON

September 21, 2012 amateur astronomers Vitali Nevski (Vitebsk, Belarus, Vitebsk amateur astronomical observatory) and Artem Novichonok (Petrozavodsk, Russia, Petrozavodsk State University). Observatory project ISON (International Scientific Optical Network PulKON) was opened long-period comet near-solar C/2012 S1 (ISON). The discovery was made using a 40-cm reflector.

At the opening of the comet had a magnitude of 18 and had a coma diameter of 10 arcseconds, which corresponds to 50 thousand km away and 6.75. is most probable diameter of the nucleus of the comet is 3 km away. Subsequently, the image of the comet were found earlier pictures observatories Mount Lemmon Survey (Received December 28, 2011) and the Pan-STARRS (Received January 28, 2012), which has greatly clarified the comet’s orbit. September 24 was published Circular Minor Planet Center with the first reliable orbital data of the new comet

C/2012 S1 ISON most famous comet of 2013. The researchers believe, if the comet “experienced” meeting with the Sun, it could be the Biggest comet in 2013, as well as the brightest comet of the first half of the XXI century.

P/2013 V3 (Nevski)

The next discovery Vitaly Nevsky became comet C/2013 V3 (NEVSKI) which was also opened by the software CoLiTec. On the night of 6 November 7, along with astronomer Gennady Borisov Vitaly Nevsky discovered comet C/2013 V3 (NEVSKI) during the observations at the observatory near Kislovodsk, a member of the international network of observatories ISON.

Borisov said that the two comets were discovered using telescopes made them. “It’s an amazing coincidence that two comets had been opened at the telescopes, which I did. Two identical telescope and that” shot “simultaneously. Now we are with him (Nevsky) are in the table next to comets,” - he said.

In 2012 Vitaly Nevsky Vitebsk discovered Comet ISON. This heavenly body, almost became a great comet of 2013, as well as the brightest comet of the first half of the XXI century.

Near-Earth asteroids

2011 QY37 (MPEC 2011-Q51)

August 27, 2011 at the observatory ISON-NM has opened a new, near-Earth asteroid, designated 2011 QY37. This object belongs to the family of the Amur and poses no threat to Earth. Minimum distance of its orbit crossing the Earth’s orbit exceeds 39 million kilometers. Asteroid turns on moderately eccentric orbit (eccentricity ~ 0.51), with a period of 3.91 years.

2012 RQ16 (MPEC 2012-S16)

September 13, 2012, the observatory ISON-Kislovodsk using the CoLiTec (CLT) was discovered asteroids near Earth, given the temporary designation 2012 RQ16. This event is dedicated to a separate electronic Circular Minor Planet Center. This is the first ASP, outdoor observatory ISON-Kislovodskbyl open approach the Earth.

2013 TB80 (MPEC 2013-T86 : 2013 TB80)

October 9, 2013 ISON-NM observatory using the CoLiTec was discovered near-Earth diameters greater than 1 kilometer. Asteroid 2013 received index TB80. Relevant data are presented on the site the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union.

2014 KH2 (MPEC 2014-K23 : 2014 KH2)

May 21th, Leonid Elenin at the ISON-NM observatory using the CoLiTec software discovered which has received designation 2014 KH2 To potentially dangerous Neas (PHA) is not enough 0.001 AU! Size - is measured while from 400 to 1000 meters.

Relatively small celestial body of the Solar System, orbiting the Sun. Asteroids are much lower on the mass and size of the planet, are irregular in shape, and have no atmosphere, although it and they can have satellites.

Other unusual objects

2011 HY52 (MPEC 2011-J02)

Asteroid 2011 HY52 was discovered during the review of the sky April 24, 2011 observers Andrushivka astronomical observatory. Preliminary orbital parameters which are close to the parameters of the orbit of the NEA.

2010 WZ71 (MPEC 2011-Q39)

Asteroids 2010 and 2011 WZ71 RC17 were discovered at the observatory ISON-NM, located in the U.S. state of New Mexico, USA. The major feature of this asteroids is that they move along the comet’s orbit.

2011 RC17 (MPEC 2011-W37)

Asteroid 2011 RC17 is very interesting. The whole point of its orbit parameters. Though it is in the neighborhood of the plane of the ecliptic (inclination 11 degrees), its perihelion is less than the semimajor axis of the orbit of Jupiter and aphelion more semimajor axis of Saturn’s orbit. Objects with similar orbital parameters found extremely small - only 10, and show them no more than two a year! A list of these objects with the parameters of their orbits shown in the figure.

Jupiter Trojans

Group of asteroids that are in the vicinity of the Lagrange points L4 and L5 of Jupiter in a 1:1 orbital resonance. These asteroids were named after characters in the Trojan War, described in the Iliad.

Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids - small planets that are near the libration points of the major planets. The first such planet was discovered in 1906 at L4 point of the Sun-Jupiter system. Since all these objects began to be called in honor of the heroes of the Trojan War, and the class called Trojans.

When naming follow these rules: small planets discovered at L4 (in front of Jupiter, the orbital motion) is called with the names of the heroes of the Achaean side, and at L5 (behind Jupiter) - from the Trojan side. Only exception was Hector and Patroclus, who were called before the adoption of this rule.

There are about 1300 Trojans from the Greek side, and about 1200 - with the Trojan (June 2008). The largest of them - Hector from the Greek side (370 km) and from the Trojan Aeneas (148.2 km).

In 2001 at L4 Neptune was discovered in 2001 satellite QR322 (230 km), which is attributed to a new class of Neptune Trojans. In 2004-2007, five were discovered Neptune Trojans, yet none of them received their own name.

Centaurs

2013 UL10

At night from first to second November, 2013 using a CoLiTec software a Russian astronomer Leonid Elenin discovered a rare asteroid class Centaur. Object received the designation in 2013 UL10. Asteroid was detected with 0.4-m telescope remote access, set in New Mexico.

Class of small planets in the Solar System, moving between the orbits of Jupiter and Neptune. By May 2000, the family of centaurs were already about 15 members; all of them give the names of the mythical centaurs: Foul, Ness and other centaurs diameters of 100-300 km and they have a very dark surface.

Centaurus (Centaur) - a constellation in the Southern Hemisphere; not visible in our latitudes. Situated between 11h and 15h RA and between 30 ° and 60 ° south declination. Ship surrounded by constellations, Hydra, Wolf, Southern Cross, Mucha. Belongs to the ancient constellations. Stars of the Southern Cross were considered before belonging to TSENTAVR and isolated in a particular constellation in the XVII century. Greek legend linked constellation Centaurus most often with the myth of Chiron, the son of Cronus and Mills, mentor Hercules, “inventor” of the constellations, the most wise and benevolent of all Centaurus (Centaur).

“Centaurs” astronomers call a group of small bodies (ranging in size from 250 to a few tens of kilometers), orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune. Until now, the nature of these objects was unclear - some believed that it can be thrown “outside” the main asteroid belt objects, others - that is the comet. Because mixing “comet” and “asteroid” properties and they were named after the mythological creatures, “cobbled together” of men and horses.

News

JAN 26 2025 - MPC plugins update

Due to updates on all Minor Planet Center (MPC) services (changing security protocols, moving the database of objects, changing addresses) all previous versions of both CoLiTec software and other software that use MPC services stopped receiving the correct results based on the data from MPC.

CoLiTec Team has investigated this issue and provided patches for all previous versions of CoLiTec software for: Windows and Linux.

Jan 10 2025 - CoLiTec published article in Astronomy & Astrophysics

CoLiTec Team published new article “A method of immediate detection of objects with a near-zero apparent motion in series of CCD-frames” in «Astronomy & Astrophysics» (Impact-factor 5.0).

The paper deals with a computational method for detection of the solar system minor bodies (SSOs), whose inter-frame shifts in series of CCD-frames during the observation are commensurate with the errors in measuring their positions. These objects have velocities of apparent motion between CCD-frames not exceeding three rms errors (3σ) of measurements of their positions. About 15% of objects have a near-zero apparent motion in CCD-frames, including the objects beyond the Jupiter’s orbit as well as the asteroids heading straight to the Earth. The proposed method for detection of the object’s near-zero apparent motion in series of CCD-frames is based on the Fisher f-criterion instead of using the traditional decision rules that are based on the maximum likelihood criterion. We analyzed the quality indicators of detection of the object’s near-zero apparent motion applying statistical and in situ modeling techniques in terms of the conditional probability of the true detection of objects with a near-zero apparent motion. The efficiency of method being implemented as a plugin for the Collection Light Technology (CoLiTec) software for automated asteroids and comets detection has been demonstrated. Among the objects discovered with this plugin, there was the sungrazing comet C/2012 S1 (ISON). Within 26 min of the observation, the comet’s image has been moved by three pixels in a series of four CCD-frames (the velocity of its apparent motion at the moment of discovery was equal to 0.8 pixels per CCD-frame; the image size on the frame was about five pixels). Next verification in observations of asteroids with a near-zero apparent motion conducted with small telescopes has confirmed an efficiency of the method even in bad conditions (strong backlight from the full Moon). So, we recommend applying the proposed method for series of observations with four or more frames.

Use full citation in scientific articles during CoLiTec using:
«Savanevych V. E. A method of immediate detection of objects with a near-zero apparent motion in series of CCD-frames / V. E. Savanevych, S. V. Khlamov, I. B. Vavilova, A. B. Briukhovetskyi, A. V. Pohorelov, D. E. Mkr-tichian, V. I. Kudak, L. K. Pakuliak, E. N. Dikov, R. G. Melnik, V. P. Vlasenko, D. E. Reichart // Astronomy & Astrophysics. – 2025. – Volume 609, A54, 11 p»

Aug 26 2024 - Odessa-Mayaki observatory (583) has discovered new asteroid 2024 QX33 and re-discovered 2016 GN108 asteroid

On August 25, 2024, astronomers Vladimir Kashuba and Vladimir Troianskyi of the observing station Mayaki (583 – Odessa-Mayaki) of Astronomical observatory of I. I. Mechnikov Odessa National University discovered an unknown asteroid having now the IAU Minor Planet Center name 2024 QX33, and rediscovered another one 2016 GN108. The first of these was the Mars-crossing, the second – an asteroid of the Main Belt.

Asteroid 2024 QX33 discovered by CoLiTec software

Apr 28 2024 - Odessa-Mayaki observatory (583) has discovered new asteroid 2024 BC94 and re-discovered 2024 AB8 asteroid

With help of free version of the CoLiTec software 2016 – Summer (1.6.6.1) the observing station Mayaki (583 – Odessa-Mayaki) of Astronomical observatory of I.I. Mechnikov Odessa National University in early 2024 has discovered new asteroid 2024 BC94 and re-discovered 2024 AB8 asteroid.

The 2014 OD380 asteroid was firstly observed by Pan-STARRS 1 observatory, Haleakala in 2014. Afterwards there where several successful unrelated observations of this asteroid in 2015, after each of which the object was lost due to the insufficient number and period of observation for the calculation of search ephemeris.

Observing station Mayaki (583 - Odessa-Mayaki) of Astronomical observatory of I.I. Mechnikov Odessa National University Observing station Mayaki (583 - Odessa-Mayaki) of Astronomical observatory of I.I. Mechnikov Odessa National University
On January 3/4, 2024 by two staff researchers of Astronomical observatory of I.I.Mechnikov Odessa National University V.I. Kashuba and V.V.Troyankyi discovered an unknown object. Using these observations, the orbital elements of object was determined and object was re-found again on January 26, 2024. The IAU Minor Planets Center was named this object 2024 AB8 (2014 OD380).

Apr 23 2024 - CoLiTec published article in Open European Journal on Variable Stars

CoLiTec Team published new article “FrameSmooth software – new tool for the calibration of astronomical images” in «Open European Journal on Variable Stars», which is included in the science database of NASA – Astrophysics Data System (ADS).

The traditional procedure of image calibration in differential photometry is based on correction for dark-frame and flat-field. This approach don’t remove big scale non-uniformities in the detector illumination caused by Moonlight or other scattered light. This can be corrected by mathematical methods. Ukrainian developers of CoLiTec software use inverse median filter for astrometric tasks. We have tested the possibility to use it for photometry also. The answer is generally positive. There is a chance to skip the flat-field calibration in some cases. We present the FrameSmooth software which performs different image calibration procedures and also able to operate in fully automatic mode.

Use full citation in scientific articles during CoLiTec using:
«Dubovský P. A. FrameSmooth software – new tool for the calibration of astronomical images / P. A. Dubovský, O. B. Bryukhovetskiy, S. V. Khlamov, I. Kudzej, Š. Parimucha, A. V. Pohorelov, V. E. Savanevych, V. P. Vlasenko // Open European Journal on Variable Stars. – 2024. – Vol. 180. – P. 16 – 23»

Apr 21 2024 - LookFits v. 1.0.1

Developers of CoLiTec Company team have announced a NEW module – LookFits:
lister-plugin (WLX) of Total Commander and Double Commander for view files in FITS.
LookFits v. 1.0.1 from 21 April, 2024.
Please try this NEW module of CoLiTec software.

Publicity

In this section you can learn more about the publicity of our CoLiTec project. In particular:

“Patents for useful models” and “Certificates of copyright registration for the invention”
“CoLiTec software for automated discovering of asteroids and comets on a series of CCD frames” and “LookSky-CoLiTec software for processing and displaying of astronomical frames” are proprietary software products.

“Implementation acts of CoLiTec software on customer observatories”
CoLiTec customers according to the CoLiTec license agreement should constitute the “Implementation act of CoLiTec software on observatory” as a main software for automated discovering of asteroids and comets on a series of CCD frames.

“Publications”
Publications, which were published by the CoLiTec project participants in international, Ukrainian collections.

“Articles”
Articles, which were published by the CoLiTec project participants in international, Ukrainian collections.

“Presentations”
Presentations, which were presented by the CoLiTec project participants in international, Ukrainian conferences and workshops.

“CoLiTec project awards”
Awards, which were received by the CoLiTec project participants in international, Ukrainian developers competitions.

“Videos”
Videos and interviews, which were taken by journalists from the CoLiTec project participants on forums, television and in the newspapers

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