NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0118
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0118 |
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PI: Franck Marchis, SETI Institute, fmarchis@seti.org
Address: 515 Whisman N. Rd, Mountain View, CA, 94043, USA
CoI: Jerome Berthier, IMCCE
CoI: Pascal Descamps, IMCCE
CoI: Valery Lainey, IMCCE
CoI: Josef Durech, Charles University
CoI: J. Emilio Enriquez, SETI Institute
Title: Refining the Mutual Orbits of Known Multiple Asteroid Moonlets
Abstract:
We propose to observe 9 known multiple asteroid systems with Gemini/ALTAIR at
their opposition to refine the mutual orbits of their satellites. We analyzed
and gathered all adaptive optics observations collected over the past 10
years from VLT and Gemini telescopes, plus all Hubble Space Telescope in a
database called VOBAD. From 2003-2007 data, we published a preliminary study
of 12 multiple asteroid systems assuming Keplerian orbits and derived their
mass and average bulk densities. Using a recently developed dynamical model,
we will incorporate these new Gemini/ALTAIR astrometric positions (4-6 obs
per asteroids) to build a consistent orbital solution for these systems. This
large temporal baseline will allow us to detect non-Keplerian perturbations
introduced by resonances, estimate the mass of the moonlets, the distribution
of material in the interior of the primary bringing the study of these
multiple asteroid systems to an exquisite level of detail and allowing us to
provide ephemeris calculations. This work will help understanding the
formation of these mysterious multiple asteroid systems.
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 > 2010B-0118 |
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