NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2002A-0171
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2002A-0171 |
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PI: Joel Parker, Southwest Research Institute, joel@boulder.swri.edu
Address: Suite 426, 1050 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
CoI: Lynne Allen, University of Michigan
CoI: Brett Gladman, Observatoire de la Cote d'Azur
CoI: Tommy Grav, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Carl Hergenrother, LPL/University of Arizona
CoI: Matthew Holman, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: J. J. Kavelaars, McMaster University
Title: The Kuiper Belt Recovery Program
Abstract:
The number of known Kuiper belt related objects is increasing at an
accelerated rate due to many wide-field projects dedicated to the
discovery of these outer solar system bodies. A focused and dedicated
recovery program is necessary and urgent if the considerable effort and
observing time spent on the discoveries are to have any long-term
scientific significance. This project (integrated with a CFHT survey we
are conducting) will address that need by providing reliable recovery
observations at sufficient frequency to keep pace with the discoveries
that need follow-up, as well as to provide photometric data for use in
analysis of Kuiper belt physical properties such as size distribution,
dynamics, formation, and structure. Our measurements will assure that
the calculated orbits are determined well enough for future photometric
and spectroscopic observations for physical studies. We have an
efficient and proven pipeline to: find objects, provide sub-arcsecond
absolute astrometry and calibrated photometry, determine orbits, and
report results to the Minor Planet Center to refine the orbital
elements.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2002A-0171 |
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