This year is certainly turning out to be an exciting one for the space industry. With the continued success of the James Webb Space Telescope and its breathtaking images of our galaxy and beyond, the upcoming launch of the ARTEMIS megarocket, and exciting new developments with the Capitol Tech ALPHA Observatory, there is plenty of news to go around.
Within just a few months of its installation, and only shortly after the school year began, ALPHA is already breaking its own record…TWICE! Professor Mabson provides us with details on the development below.
Record-Breaking Data:
On the evening of August 3, ALPHA captured its fastest recorded object to date! NEO object 2000NM, approximately 2.6 km in size, was recorded near its perihelion (closest approach to the sun) moving at a speed of 4.16 arc-minutes or 1.64 degrees per day. On August 22, ALPHA broke its own record, successfully tracking NEO object Cacus, approximately 1.44km in diameter, moving at a speed of 7.6 arc-minutes with its closest approach to the sun occurring at the end of August. Observations of both objects will continue as they race on their out-bound trajectories.
Keep an eye out for our new webpage, where exciting updates on the ALPHA Observatory will be posted!
To read our collection of ALPHA posts, click below:
ALPHA: First Views and Latest News | Capitol Technology University (captechu.edu)
ALPHA Observatory Telescope Building Momentum at Capitol Tech | ALPHA Teaser Series #5
Eyes to the Universe | ALPHA Teaser Series #3
Orbiting the Unknown │ ALPHA Teaser Series #2
Skywatching with Professor Mabson | ALPHA Teaser Series #1
Introducing the New ALPHA Observatory at Capitol Tech!
Do you have an interest in our space program? For more information about our Astronautical Engineering degrees, visit our website or contact admissions at admissions@captechu.edu .