"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
A group shares a purpose, has a common goal, works in close collaboration, and shares the rewards of success.
The research conducted at HOB is dedicated to making tangible contributions to the scientific community. We actively participate in international observational campaigns and professional-amateur (pro-am) collaborations, providing high-quality data that supports the work of researchers worldwide.
Our work focuses on several key areas of astronomical research:
Solar System Objects: We contribute astrometric and photometric data of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and other minor planets to the Minor Planet Center (MPC), operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. This data is crucial for orbit determination and refinement. In Italy, we collaborate closely with the Unione Astrofili Italiani (UAI) Asteroid Section on photometric campaigns aimed at determining rotation periods and supporting 3D modeling of asteroids.
Variable Stars & Extragalactic Objects: Our photometric measurements are submitted to the international database of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). This monitoring includes all types of variable stars and extends to extragalactic objects like Quasars and Blazars, often as part of professional research campaigns.
Exoplanet Research: We are active participants in the ExoClock Project, providing photometric observations of exoplanet transits to precisely characterize targets for the European Space Agency's (ESA) Ariel mission.
The results of our observational work and collaborative efforts are published in peer-reviewed journals and cited in international circulars. For a comprehensive and always up-to-date list of our contributions, we invite you to consult the following professional resources:
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS): For a complete list of co-authored and authored publications from 2018 onwards, please refer to the NASA ADS database.
Minor Planet Bulletin (MPB): Our asteroid photometry studies are regularly published in the Minor Planet Bulletin.
Minor Planet Electronic Circulars (MPEC): Our astrometric data on newly discovered or critical objects are published in the Minor Planet Electronic Circulars.
arXiv: Pre-prints and other research contributions may also be available on arXiv.org.