NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0535
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0535 |
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PI: Jan Kleyna, University of Hawaii at Manoa, kleyna@ifa.hawaii.edu
Address: Astronomy Department, 2600 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Title: Main Belt Comet Followup with the SMARTS 1.3m
Abstract:
We propose to use 40 hours of ANDICAM time on the SMARTS 1.3m to
confirm Main Belt Comet (MBC) detections we find in the Pan-STARRS1
(PS1) telescope survey. MBCs are a new class of objects with both
asteroidal orbits and faint comet--like dust tails, most likely driven
by sublimation. They are of considerable interest to the issue of
planetary formation, particularly the presence of water in the habitable
zone. Only five specimens are known, but we are performing an automated
search for more in PS1 survey telescope data. After two months of early
data, we already have about a dozen candidates requiring followup. We
anticipate many more over the next three years. Our PS1 detections are
purely statistical, and we require longer exposures to detect a visible
tail.
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-0535 |
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