Engineering topics

Sarounova, L.

Publications and source records attributed to Sarounova, L..

4 records

NASA NTRS2004

Multi-Wavelength Observations of 2100 Ra-Shalom: Radar and Lightcurves

We conducted a multi-wavelength campaign to study the near-Earth asteroid (NEA) 2100 Ra-Shalom during its August 2003 encounter. Rotationally resolved observations were acquired at Arecibo (12.6 cm radar), the IRTF (0.8-2.5 micron and 3 micron), McDonald Observatory (0.48-0.92 micron), Palomar Observatory (8-15 micron), and Ondrejov Observatory (optical lightcurves). Our objectives were to determine Ra-Shalom's size and shape, and the composition and physical state of its near-surface material. Preliminary results from radar and lightcurve measurements will be presented here.

Shepard, M. K.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Physical Characteristics of Asteroid-like Comet Nucleus C/2001 OG108 (LONEOS)

For many years several investigators have suggested that some portion of the near-Earth asteroid population may actually be extinct cometary nuclei. Evidence used to support these hypotheses was based on: observations of asteroid orbits and associated meteor showers (e.g. 3200 Phaethon and the Geminid meteor shower); low activity of short period comet nuclei, which implied nonvolatile surface crusts (e.g. Neujmin 1, Arend-Rigaux); and detections of transient cometary activity in some near-Earth asteroids (e.g. 4015 Wilson-Harrington). Recent investigations have suggested that approximately 5-10% of the near- Earth asteroid population may be extinct comets. However if members of the near-Earth asteroid population are extinct cometary nuclei, then there should be some objects within this population that are near their final stages of evolution and so should demonstrate only low levels of activity. The recent detections of coma from near-Earth object 2001 OG108 have renewed interest in this possible comet-asteroid connection. This paper presents the first high quality ground-based near-infrared reflectance spectrum of a comet nucleus combined with detailed lightcurve and albedo measurements.

Abell, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Slowly rotating asteroid 1999 GU/sub 3

Optical and radar observations reveal that 1999 GU3 is subkilometer-sized object with a synodic period of 9.0 days, low visual and radar albedos, and colors more consistent with the ordinarychondrites than the vast majority of main-belt asteroids.

asteroids rotation photometry radar↗

NASA NTRS1999

Radar and Optical Observations of Asteroid 1998 KY26

Observations of near-Earth asteroid 1998 KY26 shortly after its discovery reveal a slightly elongated spheroid with a diameter of about 30 m, a composition analogous to carbonaceous chondritic meteorites, and a rotation period of 10.7 minutes, which is an order of magnitude shorter that that measured for any other solar system object.

radar asteroids near-Earth Asteroid 1998 KY26↗