NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0529
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0529 |
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PI: Scott Sheppard, Carnegie Institution of Washington, sheppard@dtm.ciw.edu
Address: Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, 5241 Broad Branch Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20015, USA
CoI: James Elliot, MIT
CoI: Susan Benecchi, Carnegie Institution
CoI: Carlos Zuluaga, MIT
CoI: Amanda Gulbis, MIT
Title: Precise Astrometry for Predicting Kuiper Belt Object Occultations
Abstract:
In order to observe an occultation of a bright star by a Kuiper Belt
object the event must first be predicted as to where and when it will
happen. These predictions require precise astrometry every few months
of the largest Kuiper Belt objects. Through the occultation events the
diameters, possible companions and possible tenuous atmospheres around
these objects will be explored by examining how the light from the star
varies as the KBO passes in front of it. Based mostly on our CTIO
observations we have now observed our first ever KBO occultation, with
KBO 55636 in October 2009. The results have been published in Nature
and show this KBO has the highest albedo of any known KBO. We propose
to continue to obtain very precise astrometry on the known brightest
KBOs to determine more accurate orbits and thus reliable occultation
predictions. In addition, we must also obtain accurate astrometry on
faint field stars that the KBOs of interest may occult.
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 > 2011A-0529 |
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