Astronomical Research Institute

The Astronomical Research Institute (ARI) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3)organization that promotes education and public outreach in astronomy to students and teachers worldwide.


The Projects:

Near-earth Objects Follow-up Observations Asteroid Observations Comet Observations Supernova Research

Our main focus in research projects includes near-earth object (NEOs)observations of asteroids and comets. We conduct follow-up observations of near-earth objects on a regular basis and our observations and data are available to students and teachers daily. The NEO Follow-Up Project conducts near-earth object observations of new objects as they are discovered by large survey telescopes such as LINEAR, the Catalina Sky Survey, LEONOS, SpaceWatch and several others.

In addition, we also conduct observations of supernova as time permits.


The ARI Mission

In 1998 the NEO Observations Program was instituted by a congressional directive to NASA to identify 90 percent of all near-earth objects 1 kilometer and larger. Cataloging the Solar System of these objects will allow mankind to better understand comets, asteroids and their populations.

The Astronomical Research Institute using its instrumentation is currently carrying out follow-up observations, contributing to this 1998 Congressionally mandated goal.


NEO Follow-up Project

Each month the Astronomical Research Institute conducts follow-up observations of recently discovered and previously discovered near-earth objects. Using a 0.81m and 0.61m telescopes, we can follow-up near-earth objects to magnitude 23.0

The Astronomical Research Institute and the Astronomical Research Observatory (ARO) is located at Charleston, Illinois USA and is currently headed by Robert Holmes, Jr.


Additional team members:

Dr. James Conwell

Harlan Devore

Patrick Miller

Jeff Davis


External Links

Astronomical Research Institute website [1]