NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0455
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0455 |
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PI: Beatrice Mueller, Planetary Science Institute, mueller@psi.edu
Address: 1700 E Ft. Lowell Road, #106, Tucson, AZ 85719, United States
CoI: Nalin Samarasinha, Planetary Science Institute
CoI: Laura Woodney, CSU San Bernardino & Murillo Family Observatory
CoI: Yanga Fernandez, University of Central Florida
CoI: Paul Abell, NASA, Johnson
Title: A coordinated campaign to observe Comet 2P/Encke around perigee
Abstract:
We propose to characterize the nucleus and the activity of comet
2P/Encke. Encke will have a close approach to Earth during its
perihelion passage in fall of 2013. This is the only opportunity for a
close perigee passage observable from the ground until 2026.
Furthermore the observing geometry of the comet between the last close
perigee passage in 2003 and 2013 changed significantly, and we will be
able to observe the cometary nucleus from a different vantage point. We
will be able to compare the two apparitions, deduce the direction of the
rotational angular momentum vector, locations of the active area(s), and
determine the evolution of the spin state. This proposal is part of a
multi-wavelength (visible and IR) and multi-methodology (lightcurves and
coma morphology) approach to reach the goals described above. In this
proposal we will concentrate on the coma morphology deduced from
narrowband comet filters.
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-0455 |
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