Analysis of the dynamic coordinate system using photoelectric lunar occultations

Abstract

Abstract In this work we propose the determination of the astrophysical dynamic coordinate system’s orientation in relation to HCRF (Hipparcos Celestial Reference Frame) using photoelectric lunar occultation. The photoelectric method of recording an occultation that allows obtaining occultations moment with the accuracy up to 0.001s (i.e. 100 times more accurate than by visual method) was found to be the most accurate. Apart from the tasks of space geodesy, photoelectric observations allow carrying out other interesting researches, too. These tasks include determination of amendments to orbital longitude and latitude of the Moon and amendments to ephemeris time. The photoelectric observations of occultation are valuable materials for solving some astrophysical tasks. If one records changes in magnitude at the moment when a star is occultated by the Moon, then one may obtain diameter of the occultated star through the spectrum of those changes. Other important problems are detecting double and multiple systems of stars and measuring angular distances between their components.