NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0575
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0575 |
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PI: Cristina A. Thomas, Northern Arizona University, cristina.thomas@nau.edu
Address: Department of Physics and Astronomy, PO Box 6010, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
CoI: David E. Trilling, Northern Arizona University
CoI: Joshua P. Emery, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Title: Physical Characterization of the Near-Earth Object Population
Abstract:
The majority of Near Earth Objects (NEOs) originated in collisions
between bodies in the main asteroid belt and have found their way into
near-Earth space via complex and little understood dynamical
interactions. This transport of material from the main belt into the
inner Solar System has shaped the histories of the terrestrial planets.
However, despite their scientific importance, key characteristics of the
NEO population remain largely unexplored. We propose to follow up our
Warm Spitzer Exploration Science Program (PI: Trilling) and the
concurrent spectroscopic observing campaign by obtaining visible
wavelength spectra to enhance our understanding of the compositional
properties of various NEOs. These observations will shed light on
several questions raised in our initial study. We will improve
estimates of average albedo by taxonomic class in the NEO population,
study the NEO population's sampling of the Main Belt taxonomic classes,
and determine if there is a dependence of composition on size for
various NEO source regions. By continuing to combine the size and
albedo information from Spitzer with the compositional information from
ground-based spectroscopy we hope to shed light on several questions
about the evolution and origin of the near-Earth asteroid population.
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 > 2012A-0575 |
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