NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0418
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0418 |
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PI: Henry Hsieh, University of Hawaii (IfA), hsieh@ifa.hawaii.edu
Address: Institute for Astronomy, 2680 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
CoI: Bin Yang, University of Hawaii (IfA)
CoI: Chad Trujillo, Gemini Observatory
Title: The Sublimation-Driven Nature of Main-Belt Comet Activity
Abstract:
We seek GMOS-S time to obtain target-of-opportunity spectroscopy of a bright
newly-discovered main-belt comet (MBC) to confirm the sublimation-driven
nature of its activity by searching for CN emission at 3880A. A
recently-identified class of objects that exhibit comet-like activity yet are
dynamically indistinguishable from main-belt asteroids, MBCs may have played
a significant role in the primordial delivery of Earth's water. To date, it
has never been unambiguously shown that MBC activity is due to ice
sublimation, though abundant indirect evidence supports this conclusion. If
observed promptly, a newly discovered MBC with a sufficiently bright coma
offers an excellent opportunity to detect gas emission from a main-belt
object and provide the first unambiguous confirmation of present-day volatile
material in the main belt. In this proposal, we request NOAO time to observe
one MBC from Gemini-South. A companion proposal has been submitted to UH for
similar observations from Gemini-North to permit selection of the best
follow-up site based on target position. The transient nature of gas emission
from MBCs requires the rapid response of ToO observations while its expected
faintness requires a large-aperture telescope to detect, making Gemini queue
observations ideal for this program.
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-0418 |
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