20th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Asteroid Lightcurves
Angela K. Postma*, George C. Sumter, Samantha R. Sweet, Mariya S. Davidkova, Thomas J. Vonderharr, and Cara M. Willoughby
Dr. Matthew M. Beaky, Faculty Mentor
Minor planets were formed during the earliest stages of the solar system’s development. A more complete database of asteroid information may give astronomers insight into the collisional history of our solar system. Due to the irregular shape of asteroids, the amount of sunlight they reflect towards Earth varies as they rotate. By measuring this reflected light we can ascertain the light curve of the asteroid and thereby determine its rotation period. We observe the asteroids by using an SBIG ST-7XE CCD camera and Truman’s 14 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, as well as the 31 inch National Undergraduate Research Observatory telescope, part of the Lowell Observatory. Results of the ongoing project will be discussed.
Keywords: asteroid, light curve, photometry, astronomy, telescope, astrophysics, CCD
Topic(s):Physics
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 28-2
Location: VH 1416
Time: 10:00 am