NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0361
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0361 |
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PI: Yanga Fernandez, University of Central Florida, yan@physics.ucf.edu
Address: Department of Physics, 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816-2385, U.S.A.
CoI: Humberto Campins, University of Central Florida
CoI: Javier Licandro, Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias
CoI: Michael Kelley, University of Maryland
Title: Studying the Nucleus of Nearly-Dead Comet 107P/Wilson-Harrington
Abstract:
Comet 107P/Wilson-Harrington returns in 2009 for its first favorable
apparition since 1992 and its closest approach to Earth since 1979.
This comet is at the end of its active life; activity has only been seen
once, in 1949. Thus 107P is a vital comet to study if we are to answer
questions about the physical evolution of comets. Specifically it can
give us clues about the evolution of surface properties as a comet
passes from its active state to a dormant or extinct state. Such
knowledge is crucial if we are to understand how many comets become
dormant or extinct (vs. other possible end-states), and how many
dormant/extinct comets exist among the NEA population. We request
service-observing to address two science goals: (a) We will determine if
107P has any remnant low-level activity, and thereby put (at least)
upper limits on transient gas and dust production rates while the comet
is near perihelion; and (b) we will measure the comet's phase-law
darkening and thereby derive the scattering properties using the
parameterization of Hapke.
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 > 2009B-0361 |
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