NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0141
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0141 |
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PI: Toshihiro Kasuga, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, toshi.kasuga@nao.ac.jp
Address: Public Relations Center, 2-21-1 Osawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan
CoI: David Jewitt, UCLA
Title: Near - Earth Asteroid 2003 EH1: Parent Body of the Quadrantid Meteoroid Stream
Abstract: Near-Earth asteroid 2003 EH1 is the parent of the Quadrantid meteoroid stream. It is dynamically comet-like. Although the dynamical age of the Quadrantids is only a few centuries, no evidence for on-going mass loss has ever been reported. We propose physical observations in order to determine the surface characteristics, the rotational period and an upper limit to the mass loss rate. We will obtain multi-color photometry with the KPNO 2.1-m telescope in the optical wavelength range. Repeated measurements in one filter will determine the lightcurve (a measure of period and projected shape). The stacked sum of the single-filter images will detect, or determine the most sensitive limits to, the surface brightness of an attendant coma (a measure of the mass loss). Measurements in different filters will indicate the spectral type of the surface material. Together, these observations will for the first time define the physical nature of 2003 EH1. We request consecutive 3 nights in 2013B to determine the physical properties of 2003 EH1 (V~ 21 in Aug.-Sep.).
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 > 2013B-0141 |
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