NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0255
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0255 |
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PI: Marc Buie, Southwest Research Institute, buie@boulder.swri.edu
Address: 1050 Walnut St., Suite 300, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
Title: KBO orbits for occultations
Abstract:
The orbits and physical properties of Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs)
provide valuable constraints on the dynamical and environmental
evolution of the outer Solar System. Much progress has been made in the
past two decades of KBO observations but we still have limited
information on physical sizes of these objects. Thermal observations
work well (with Spitzer and Herschel) but the dynamically cold classical
KBOs (low inclination, low eccentricity near 45 AU) have proven
especially challenging with radiometric techniques. This particular
class of object is arguably the most primitive (least disturbed) and are
a critical component for study. Stellar occultations can provide the
missing sizes but to do so we need more objects with better orbits to
make these observations feasible. The cold classical objects are also
the most likely to have satellites. Getting an occultation diameter on
binary objects will permit getting accurate densities since the system
mass is known from the satellite orbit. These proposed observations
will collect critical astrometry needed to improve the orbits of under-
observed KBOs that are candidates for stellar occultation observations.
Where possible, known binaries will be given preference for astrometry.
This work is part of a NSF-funded pilot project to secure occultation
diameters of KBOs.
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-0255 |
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