NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0489
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0489 |
|
PI: 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: Jack Drummond, AFRL, Starfire Optical Range
CoI: Al Conrad, W.M. Keck Observatory
CoI: Peter M. Tamblyn, Southwest Research Institute
CoI: Benoit Carry, LESIA, Observatoire de Paris
CoI: Clark R. Chapman, Southwest Research Institute
CoI: Julian Christou, Gemini Observatory
CoI: Christophe Dumas, ESO, Chile
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, 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 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, 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 Ceres
will contribute to DAWN mission planning, as we have done for Rosetta.
We will also target, as calibrators, objects of known size (Pluto and
satellites of Saturn or Jupiter). We also propose to make deep/close
searches for satellites with the NICI imager, particularly of Ceres.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0489 |
|