Fast drift-scan CCD imaging and photometry with small telescopes: Lunar Ocultations and Speckle Interferometry

Abstract

In this paper we show how inherent features of typical CCD cameras can be used for fast (in the order of milliseconds) photometric observations (FPO), even with submeter class telescopes. This is based on a modified drift-scanning technique which we show to be advantageous for such kind of observations. In particular, we successfully carried out sorne lunar occultations and speckle interferometry observations using this technique. During the year 2000, we registered severa! occultation events. In particular, we present the occultation of SAO79031. The millisecond photometry of the event allows us subsequent data analysis for stellar diameter estimation and close binary detection. We also show an example of the application of the technique to speckle interferometry observations. Finally, we present the main characteristics of our project to build a new remotely controlled observatory near Barcelona.