Observation and research on small solar system bodies based on the Antarctic Tianmu Staring Observation Project

The Antarctic Tianmu Staring Observation Project (ATSOP) entails the deployment of 30 small-aperture, wide-field optical telescopes in the Antarctic region. The system will perform long-term continuous observation campaigns over a period of 100 d (24 h per day) per year, as well as short-time-scale sampling at intervals of 5 min, across a sky area of approximately 1200 square degrees centered near the south celestial pole. We have assessed the types of small solar system bodies detectable by the ATSOP telescopes, as well as the associated scientific research opportunities. Our analysis indicates that the ATSOP is capable of detecting near-Earth objects (NEOs) with all orbital inclinations, as well as high-inclination small bodies located beyond the main asteroid belt. Potential research topics include the discovery and identification of small bodies, orbit determination, physical characterization, investigation into the activity characteristics and evolutionary patterns of active small bodies, and studies on their dynamical evolution. Observations of NEOs can also contribute to planetary defense efforts. On the basis of pilot observational data collected by the Antarctic Tianmu prototype (AT-Proto) between February 20 and October 26, 2023, a total of 478 asteroids and 9 comets were successfully identified, demonstrating the effectiveness of the ATSOP system in observing small solar system bodies. Looking ahead, with anticipated performance enhancements in the second-generation AT-Proto, the limiting magnitude will increase from 16 to 18, thereby enabling the detection of an even greater number of small solar system bodies.