On the Hunt for Asteroids: Positioning an Occultation Telescope

Several books and movies have been made depicting an asteroid or comet striking the Earth. There is a small chance of such an event, but if it happens, the results could be devastating, perhaps even causing a mass extinction event such as the one many believe killed off the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. It is potentially the largest preventable natural disaster. And that’s why the Winer Observatory in Arizona is working on planetary defense by tracking NEOs (Near Earth Objects). HEIDENHAIN donated encoders to assist in the positioning for their newest portable telescope project that will enable Winer to do just that.