Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 1996
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996hst..prop.6497l&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #6497
Physics
Hst Proposal Id #6497 Solar System
Scientific paper
Recently, our team has reported the detection of ~ 30 Halley- sized objects in the Kuiper belt using HST/WFPC2 observations taken during Cycle 4. Our results represent the first reported detections of objects the size of typical short- period comets in their native reservoir. In addition to demonstrating that such objects are indeed present in the Kuiper belt, we have proved that the HST/WFPC2 can be used to study these objects. Here we are proposing to push the observations to heretofore unprecedented levels by observing an ecliptic WPFC2 field, for a total integration time of 35 orbits, in order to advance both studies of the population size distribution, and the physical properties of cometary nuclei in the Kuiper belt. These observations will allow us to study, for the first time, the physical properties of objects with radii between ~ 2.5 and ~ 10 km in their native environment. With a single deep WFPC2 data set, we will be able to determine the size distribution and colors of these objects. We may even be able to determine the lightcurves for some of our brightest objects. In all, we estimate that we should detect and study ~ 200 new Kuiper belt objects.
No associations
LandOfFree
An Ultra-Deep Study of Comets in the Kuiper Belt does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with An Ultra-Deep Study of Comets in the Kuiper Belt, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An Ultra-Deep Study of Comets in the Kuiper Belt will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1117736