NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0270
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0270 |
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PI: Nicholas Moskovitz, MIT, nmosko@mit.edu
Address: EAPS, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
CoI: David Trilling, NAU
CoI: Cristina Thomas, NASA GSFC
CoI: David Polishook, MIT
CoI: Francesca DeMeo, MIT
CoI: Richard Binzel, MIT
CoI: Paul Abell, NASA JSC
CoI: Michael Person, MIT
CoI: Michael Busch, NASA JPL
CoI: Mark Willman, Univ. Hawaii
CoI: Eric Christensen, LPL
Title: Mission Accessible Near-Earth Objects Survey (MANOS)
Abstract:
Although the past decade has seen exponential growth in the number
of known near-Earth objects (NEOs), a representative sample of physical
properties for sub-km NEOs does not exist. This information is
essential to understanding formational and evolutionary processes in the
Solar System, accurate impact hazard assessment, and assuring
preparedness for future planetary exploration missions. We propose a
three year survey with a regular cadence of spectroscopic and
photometric observations to obtain compositional and rotational
information for newly discovered, mission accessible NEOs smaller than
100 meters. This will produce a database of roughly 300 objects,
representing an unexplored size regime over an order of magnitude
smaller than previous studies. This unprecedented data set will (1)
provide new insight into fundamental Solar System processes such as
space weathering, planetary encounters, and radiation pressure forces;
(2) forge new links between asteroids and meteorites; and (3) provide
key selection criteria for future planetary missions. This survey is a
major component in a complementary NASA Solar System Exploration
Research Virtual Institute proposal (PI D. Trilling).
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-0270 |
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