NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003A-0227
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003A-0227 |
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PI: Douglas Welch, McMaster University, WELCH@physics.mcmaster.ca
Address: Physics Department, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4M1, CANADA
CoI: Steve Bickerton, McMaster University
CoI: JJ Kavelaars, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory
Title: Detection of Low-Mass Kuiper-Belt Objects by Stellar Occultations using WIYN/Hydra
Abstract:
We will provide the first detections of low-mass Kuiper Belt Objects
by making novel use of the WIYN/Hydra system as a multi-object, high-
speed photometer to record the brief occultations of background stars
caused by these otherwise undetectable outer solar system bodies.
The size distribution of material in the Kuiper belt holds a number
of clues to the past evolution of our solar system. From the orbital
distribution of large material in the belt it is apparent that some
process dynamically excited the forming belt. This excitation would
have truncated the size evolution of the belt, raising the random
velocities of encounters to a point where only fragmentary encounters
are possible. However, the measured size distribution of the large
material in the belt is much steeper than an equilibrium distribution.
This indicates that the disruptive process in the belt likely occurred
before equilibrium was attained. Simulation of the evolution of the
size distribution indicates that the turning point, or knee, in the
distribution could establish the time of the ancient excitation
process(es).
No useful observational detections or limits exist for bodies
smaller than about 7 km. The proposed work will likely provide
detections for objects as small as 0.2 km, a size regime where the
collisional history will reveal itself in the frequency of such objects.
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 > 2003A-0227 |
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