NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0122
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0122 |
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PI: Robert S. McMillan, University of Arizona, bob@lpl.arizona.edu
Address: Lunar and Planetary Lab and Steward Obs., 1629 E. Univ. Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721-0092, USA
CoI: James V. Scotti, University of Arizona
CoI: Jeffrey A. Larsen, U. S. Naval Academy
CoI: Amanda K. Mainzer, JPL/CalTech
CoI: Joseph R. Masiero, JPL/CalTech
Title: Astrometric Search and Recovery of Asteroids and Comets Discovered by WISE
Abstract:
Target-of-Opportunity (ToO) time is requested to recover and do
astrometry and photometry on short notice of carefully selected
asteroids, comets, or suspected comets discovered by WISE. This all-sky
thermal infrared survey will be unprecedented in sensitivity and will
likely remain unique for decades. WISE will make it possible to explore
the properties of asteroids with extreme values of albedo, unusual
surface properties, high thermal inertia, potential as targets for
radar, unusual orbital elements, or potential to be extinct, dormant, or
active comets. Our astrometry will consolidate knowledge of orbital
elements, permitting observations of physical properties, either soon
after discovery or during later apparitions. Visible-band photometry on
calibrated magnitude scales is essential to establishing albedo near the
peak of incident solar flux, which reckons centrally in modeling thermal
properties. Targets will be chosen according to scientific importance,
urgency of recovery, and the need for telescope aperture larger than
that otherwise available to the investigators. Urgency of recovery will
be based on the uncertainty of the ephemeris and the amount of time
remaining during the discovery apparition.
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 > 2010A-0122 |
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