NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0289
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0289 |
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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: Michael Person, MIT
CoI: Carlos Zuluaga, MIT
CoI: Amanda Bosh, MIT
Title: Precise Astrometry for Predicting Kuiper Belt Object Occultations
Abstract:
Occultations by Kuiper Belt objects remain elusive events, requiring
precision astrometry for these faint bodies in the outer solar system.
Routine astrometry provides data that are crucial for our KBO ephemeris
correction models, which then allow accurate shadow track predictions.
Through the occultation events the diameters, possible companions and
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.
This is a powerful way to determine the physical characteristics of the
KBOs. We propose to obtain very precise astrometry on 20 of the
brightest known KBOs to determine more accurate orbits and thus reliable
occultation predictions. We also require telescope time to obtain
precise astrometry on possible stars that will be occulted by a KBO in
the future.
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-0289 |
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