KBO Binarity and Spin from Visible Lightcurves

Details KBO Binarity and Spin from Visible Lightcurves KBO Binarity and Spin from Visible Lightcurves

Aug 2008

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008noao.prop..291s&link_type=abstract

NOAO Proposal ID #2008B-0291

Computer Science

Scientific paper

We propose to obtain rotational lightcurves for a sample of cold- classical KBOs using GMOS-N and/or GMOS-S during a total of 2 nights in ``poor weather'' conditions. We have completed a pilot program (using GMOS-S DD time) showing that we can take advantage of such conditions to do lightcurve work using background sources in the images to track transparency and seeing variations. The (detected) lightcurves will provide the rotational period. If the amplitudes are large, they also give a rough constraint on the pole position. Rotational lightcurves can also be used to discover binary systems, as seen for main-belt asteroids. Our measurements will significantly improve our ability to model thermal observations of the targets, either from Spitzer or to be obtained through an approved Herschel program. Modeling of those thermal data will produce diameters and albedos, but the results depend on the rotation rate (through the thermal parameter), and pole orientation, so constraints on either or both help reduce systematic uncertainties. The derived size also depends critically on whether the object is binary. The cold-classicals contain a very high fraction (~eq 30%) of binaries: we are more likely to discover binaries there (the first discovered by lightcurve signature), and more likely to provide a useful input (i.e. confirmed binary, or upper limit on companion size) to our Spitzer and Herschel programs.

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