NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2005B-0367
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2005B-0367 |
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PI: Lawrence H. Wasserman, Lowell Observatory, lhw@lowell.edu
Address: None, 1400 W. Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, US
CoI: Marc W. Buie, Lowell Observatory
CoI: Robert L. Millis, Lowell Observatory
CoI: David E. Trilling, University of Arizona
CoI: James L. Elliot, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
CoI: Karen J. Meech, University of Hawaii
CoI: Susan D. Kern, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
CoI: Amanda A.S. Gulbis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
CoI: Julie F. Kane, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
CoI: Richard Crudo, University of Arizona
CoI: Eugene I. Chiang, U.C. Berkeley
CoI: Jessica R. Lovering, U.C. Berkeley
Title: Astrometric Followup of Kuiper Belt Objects
Abstract:
The orbits and physical properties of Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs)
provide valuable constraints on dynamical and environmental evolution of
the outer Solar System. However, a full understanding of this fossil
record requires a large and well characterized sample of objects with
accurate orbits. Accurate orbits reveal important aspects of the
effects of planetary migration on the dynamical history of the belt and
provide ephemerides sufficiently accurate to enable physical
observations with giant ground-based and space telescopes. During
semester 2005A, our team will conclude the search phase of the Deep
Ecliptic Survey - a survey that has discovered approximately half the
known KBOs. It has yielded important advances in understanding the
belt, enabled observational research by many other investigators, and
stimulated important theoretical investigations. In order to realize
full value from the DES, astrometric observations of KBOs discovered
during especially the past 2 years must be continued until the orbits of
these objects can be accurately classified and the objects secured from
becoming lost. This proposal requests 4-meter time at KPNO and CTIO to
commence these essential observations.
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 > 2005B-0367 |
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