NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0070
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0070 |
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PI: David Rabinowitz, Yale University Physics Dept, david.rabinowitz@yale.edu
Address: P. O. Box 208120, New Haven, CT, 06520-8120, USA
CoI: Megan Schwamb, Yale University Physics Dept
CoI: Susan Benecchi, Carnegie Institution of Washington
CoI: Anne Verbiscer, University of Virginia
CoI: William Grundy, Lowell Observatory
Title: Measuring the Rotational Light Curve of (79360) Sila-Nunam : an Eclipsing Binary in the Kuiper Belt
Abstract:
We propose to use GMOS-N in queue mode to measure the rotational light curve
of the binary object Sila-Nunam, a member of the Kuiper Belt that likely
formed insitu beyond Neptune. This binary was recently discovered to show
mutual events - one body eclipsing the other every half orbital period of
6.25 days. Such events present a rare opportunity to determine the size,
density, and composition of a primitive solar-system body, largely unaltered
since the time of solar-system formation. Our primary goal is to make the
first precise measurement of the shape, period, and phase of the full
rotational light curve. This will determine if the rotations of Sila and
Nunam are tidally locked to their mutual orbit. This is essential to
understanding the physical parameters of the binary revealed by ongoing and
proposed eclipse observations with other telescopes. A secondary goal is to
measure the color dependence of the light curve. This will determine if the
target bodies have heterogenous composition, and test for the exchange of
meteroid impact ejecta predicted for close-separation binaries. Our total
request is 6.5 h, spread over 13 consecutive, non-photometric grey/dark
nights , with a minimum requirement of 3.9h.
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 > 2012B-0070 |
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