NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0387
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0387 |
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PI: Nicholas Moskovitz, MIT, nmosko@mit.edu
Address: EAPS, 54-427, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
CoI: Mark Willman, Univ. Hawaii, IfA
CoI: Henry Hsieh, Univ. Hawaii, IfA
CoI: Michele Bannister, ANU
CoI: David Pollishook, MIT
CoI: Richard Binzel, MIT
CoI: Francesca DeMeo, MIT
Title: Post-Flyby Observations of Near-Earth Asteroid 2012 DA14
Abstract:
On 2013 February 15 UT, the near-Earth asteroid 2012 DA14 will make
an unprecedented close flyby of the Earth inside the orbital distance of
geosynchronous satellites. What is unprecedented by this encounter is
our advance knowledge of this incoming trajectory, allowing us to forge
a detailed coordinated plan for observation and testing of physical
models predicting tidal distortion near our planet's Roche limit. This
coupling of observations and physical models will provide insight on the
geophysical properties of 2012 DA14. These properties, for example the
extent of internal fracturing, are largely unknown for asteroids in
general and particularly for those in the size range of 2012 DA14. This
is critical information for understanding a class of objects that are
relevant to impact hazard assessment and to spacecraft and human
exploration.
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 > 2013A-0387 |
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