When
3:45 p.m., Feb. 10, 2015
Where
Kuiper Space Sciences 312
Dr. Ellen Howell
Research Associate
Arecibo Observatory
Combining thermal observations and radar-derived shapes of near-Earth asteroids
We measure both reflected and thermal spectra (0.8-4 microns) of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) which are also radar targets, and have detailed shape models. We are investigating the regolith properties of small NEAs by using detailed thermophysical models incorporating the radar shape. We hope to better understand how the complex shapes, spin states, and regolith properties affect the thermal flux and the derived sizes and albedos. We measure each object at several different rotational phases, as well as different viewing geometries to determine how consistent the thermal model results are. Some results of this ongoing work will be presented.
Host: Dr. Walter Harris
Research Associate
Arecibo Observatory
Combining thermal observations and radar-derived shapes of near-Earth asteroids
We measure both reflected and thermal spectra (0.8-4 microns) of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) which are also radar targets, and have detailed shape models. We are investigating the regolith properties of small NEAs by using detailed thermophysical models incorporating the radar shape. We hope to better understand how the complex shapes, spin states, and regolith properties affect the thermal flux and the derived sizes and albedos. We measure each object at several different rotational phases, as well as different viewing geometries to determine how consistent the thermal model results are. Some results of this ongoing work will be presented.
Host: Dr. Walter Harris
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