NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0057
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0057 |
|
PI: Mark Trueblood, NOAO, mtrueblood@noao.edu
Address: NOAO System Technology Center, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719, United States
CoI: Robert Crawford, Rincon Ranch Observatory
CoI: Larry Lebofsky, Planetary Science Institute
Title: Long Term Follow-up of Near Earth Objects
Abstract: Recently-discovered Near Earth Objects (NEOs) will be observed using the KPNO 2.1-m telescope to add astrometric observations at arcs of 50 days or more from discovery. These extended arcs place strong constraints on the orbital solution and can greatly reduce the ephemeris uncertainty at the next recovery opportunity. On any night during 2011A, many recently-discovered NEOs will be observable in the range 21 < V < 23. We will place the highest priority on Virtual Impactors (VIs) and on Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) where long arcs can be created. Among 92 objects for which the NEODyS system estimates a non-zero risk of Earth impact, all but 14 are unrecoverable using conventional (not wide field) telescopes. Some 85% of the objects that are the reason for the discovery surveys must be re-discovered at the next favorable opposition and linked to past observations before the impact risk can be reliably assessed. By creating an extended arc, we will reduce the number of VIs and PHAs that accumulate large ephemeris errors, thereby enabling future recovery efforts.
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 > 2011A-0057 |
|