Eileen V. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology), William H. Ryan (Magdalena Ridge Observatory, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Keywords: Astronomy
Abstract:
The Magdalena Ridge Observatory’s (MRO) state-of-the-art 2.4-meter telescope is contributing to the Near-Earth Object (NEO) effort by working in partnership with existing NASA telescopic survey programs to provide the astrometric and physical characterization follow-up required to meet the congressional directive to identify bodies 140 meters in diameter or larger that have the potential to impact the Earth. The 2.4-meter’s large primary mirror size allows the observatory researchers to acquire accurate astrometry and important characterization data (colors, lightcurves, and spectra) on the faintest objects detected. The system is capable of doing 2% photometry on bodies having a V (visual) magnitude of ~20.5 with 60 second exposures. The working limit for astrometric follow-up is V~24-25 under ideal observing conditions. The objective of the program is to characterize the small end of the NEO size distribution to ensure that newly discovered objects are not lost (maximizing the chance that their orbits are accurately catalogued). A significant advantage of a large-aperture telescope is the ability to work effectively in less than photometric conditions, resulting in an overall high productivity rate.
Date of Conference: September 16-19, 2008
Track: Astronomy