NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0557
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0557 |
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PI: Dr. William J. Merline, Southwest Research Institute, merline@boulder.swri.edu
Address: Space Science and Instrumentation Division, 1050 Walnut St., Ste. 300, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
CoI: Dr. Jack Drummond, AFRL, Starfire Optical Range
CoI: Dr. Al Conrad, W.M. Keck Observatory
CoI: Dr. Peter M. Tamblyn, Southwest Research Institute
CoI: Dr. Christophe Dumas, ESO, Chile
CoI: Benoit Carry, LESIA, Observatoire de Paris
CoI: Dr. Clark R. Chapman, Southwest Research Institute
CoI: Dr. Julian Christou, Gemini Observatory
Title: High-Resolution AO Imaging of Asteroids/Satellites
Abstract:
We propose to make high-resolution observations of asteroids using
AO, to measure size, shape, and pole position, and to search for
satellites. We have demonstrated that AO imaging allows determination
of the pole/dimensions in 1 or 2 nights on a single target, rather than
the years of observations with lightcurve inversion techniques that only
yield poles and axial ratios, not true dimensions. Using NGS AO, we
will measure several large/intermediate asteroids. Accurately
determining the volume from the often-irregular shape allows us to
derive densities to much greater precision in cases where the mass is
known, e.g., from the presence of a satellite. For the resolved-disk
targets and for smaller asteroids that are particularly well placed, we
will make satellite searches to expand our survey of the
presence/characteristics of satellites in various populations,
particularly NEOs (as we recently demonstrated by producing the first-
ever optical image of an NEO binary (Merline et al. 2008b, IAUC 8977).
Satellites allow a mass to be determined, and also provide a real-life
lab for testing collisional models. Observations of Vesta and Lutetia,
if made, will contribute to DAWN/Rosetta mission planning. We will also
target, as calibrators, objects of known size (Pluto and satellites of
Saturn or Jupiter). We also propose to make some of the first
observations with the new Gemini-S NICI coronagraphic AO imager to make
deep searches for satellites.
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-0557 |
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