A Photometry Method for Fast-Rotating Artificial Satellites Using a Slow Read-Out CCD Camera

The problem of interpretation of a photometric light curve and the use of the Lomb–Scargle periodogram to determine the rotation period of fast-rotating artificial Earth satellites (AESs) when they are observed with a slow read-out CCD camera are described. A method for solving this problem is given. It is proposed, if there is a priori information about the AES rotation period, to use the Lomb–Scargle periodogram in a narrowed frequency range; in the absence of a priori information, the problem is solved by using trail photometry. Comparison of results obtained with different telescopes equipped with different slow read-out CCD cameras with results independently obtained with other telescopes equipped with fast read-out CCD cameras clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the method in both cases. The limitations in the applicability of the method application and possible ways to improve its accuracy are also considered.