scholarly journals DIVISION F COMMISSION 15: PHYSICAL STUDY OF COMETS AND MINOR PLANETS

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (T29A) ◽  
pp. 316-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Bockelée-Morvan ◽  
Ricardo Gil-Hutton ◽  
Daniel Hestroffer ◽  
Irina N. Belskaya ◽  
Björn J. R. Davidsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Solar System ◽  
Space Mission ◽  
Laboratory Simulation ◽  
Minor Planets ◽  
International Astronomical Union ◽  
Small Bodies ◽  
International Astronomical ◽  
Physical Study ◽  
Tremendous Progress

AbstractCommission 15 of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), entitled Physical Study of Comets and Minor Planets, was founded in 1935 and dissolved in 2015, following the reorganization of IAU. In 80 years of Commission 15, tremendous progress has been made on the knowledge of these objets, thanks to the combined efforts of ground- and space-based observations, space mission rendezvous and flybys, laboratory simulation and analyses of returned samples, and theoretical and numerical modeling. Together with dynamical studies of the Solar System, this discipline has provided a much deeper understanding of how the Solar System formed and evolved. We present a legacy report of Commission 15, which highlights key milestones in the exploration and knowledge of the small bodies of the Solar System.

scholarly journals Commission 15: Physical Study of Comets, Minor Planets, and Meteorites

1985 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-187
Author(s):  
C. R. Chapman ◽  
L. Kresak ◽  
B. D. Donn ◽  
F. Dossin ◽  
H. Fechtig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Solar System ◽  
Hubble Space Telescope ◽  
The United States ◽  
Minor Planets ◽  
Small Bodies ◽  
New Era ◽  
Asteroid Exploration ◽  
The Soviet Union ◽  
Physical Study

The last three years have witnessed a growing interest in the physical properties of the small bodies in the solar system. Perhaps the most significant impetus to research on small bodies has been the imminent arrival of Comet Halley in the inner solar system. This famous comet, which was recovered in autumn 1982, has been the object of intense study during the past year as it has approached the sun and developed a tail. Much of the international, ground-based astronomical research on Halley has been coordinated through the International Halley Watch program. Spacecraft from several nations have been successfully launched (or soon will be, we hope) and are on their way to intercept the comet and make close-up observations and in situ measurements. The commencement of spacecraft study of small bodies marks a new era in comet/asteroid science and, in coordination with ground-based and Earth-orbital observations, will result in unprecedented new knowledge about the origin of the solar system and about solar system processes. Although Halley is receiving the most attention, interest is also high in Comet Giacobini-Zinner, the vicinity of which will be probed by a diverted American spacecraft in September 1985. Upcoming spacecraft studies of comets through 1986 are described at the end of the comet section of this report. Asteroid exploration by spacecraft is also anticipated to begin in the near future. The trajectory of the NASA Gailieo Mission to Jupiter has been changed to permit close-encounter observations of the large main-belt asteroid 29 Amphitrite in December 1986; these observations will be conducted on a “best effort” basis only a few months after launch of Galileo. Interest is also high in Europe, the Soviet Union, and the United States in possible spacecraft missions to additional comets and asteroids during the 1990’s. If these efforts are pursued, there will be a concomitant ground-based effort. The last three years have also witnessed extremely productive efforts to observe small bodies from Earth orbit. For example, the Infrared Astronomical Satellite discovered a comet in 1983, which made the closest approach to the Earth of any comet in centuries. IRAS made important discoveries and measurements of other comets and also assembled an immense database on infrared brightnesses of thousands of numbered and unnumbered asteroids. The planned launch of the Hubble Space Telescope next year highlights the continuing potential for applying extremely powerful instrumental techniques to the study of comets and asteroids from above the Earth’s atmosphere.

Mathematical cartography today

2019 ◽  
Vol 943 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-57
Author(s):  
M.V. Nyrtsov
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Initial Data ◽  
Additional Research ◽  
Triaxial Ellipsoid ◽  
International Astronomical Union ◽  
Small Bodies ◽  
Map Projections ◽  
International Astronomical ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Almost All

For most small bodies of the Solar System shapes the International Astronomical Union recommends to use a triaxial ellipsoid. Today almost all major classes of cartographic projections for the triaxial ellipsoid have been developed. They require systematization, classification and additional research. The archives of libraries accumulated a significant list of paper maps of the Soviet times which are compiled in projections developed in our country. It is necessary to implement those projections in the PROJ.4 library used by GIS. Distortions in map projections can be defined as deformation of a cell. If we imagine that the sphere is covered with a net of regular hexagons then it is possible to estimate distortions in the projection by their deformation on the plane. Now the majority of cartographers use online calculators to define the values required for mathematical cartography. Programs are usually written in JavaScript and require the user to only enter the initial data. These are only some of the problems facing modern mathematical cartography.

scholarly journals Physical and dynamical characteristics of icy “dwarf planets” (plutoids)

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (S263) ◽  
pp. 173-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Tancredi
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Classification Scheme ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
International Astronomical Union ◽  
Dynamical Characteristics ◽  
Dwarf Planets ◽  
International Astronomical ◽  
Solar System Bodies ◽  
Definition Of

AbstractThe geophysical and dynamical criteria introduced in the “Definition of a Planet in the Solar System” adopted by the International Astronomical Union are reviewed. The classification scheme approved by the IAU reflects dynamical and geophysical differences among planets, “dwarf planets” and “small Solar System bodies”. We present, in the form of a decision tree, the set of questions to be considered in order to classify an object as an icy “dwarf planet” (a plutoid). We find that there are 15 very probable plutoids; plus possibly 9 more, which require a reliable estimate of their sizes. Finally, the most relevant physical and dynamical characteristics of the set of icy “dwarf planets” have been reviewed; e.g. the albedo, the lightcurve amplitude, the location in the different dynamical populations, the size distributions, and the discovery rate.

scholarly journals Inter-Commission Working Group on the Prevention of Interplanetary Pollution

1997 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 263-274
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Interplanetary Space ◽  
Planetary Science ◽  
General Assembly ◽  
Space Vehicles ◽  
The Moon ◽  
International Astronomical Union ◽  
International Astronomical ◽  
Solar System Bodies ◽  
Interplanetary Mission

At the 1988 Baltimore General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union, members of several Commissions dealing with planetary science expressed deep concern that no work was being undertaken to identify and avoid pollution problems in interplanetary space beyond the Moon. At that time NASA had convened a conference on problems in cislunar space due to the large and growing numbers of orbiting fragments hazardous to space vehicles. In translunar space this is hardly a problem. However an alarming number of future interplanetary mission proposals were considered for other reasons to be potentially harmful to various solar system bodies and interplanetary space itself.

scholarly journals 15. Physical Study of Comets, Minor Planets and Meteorites

1979 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-102
Author(s):  
N.B. Richter
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Considerable Increase ◽  
Solar Nebula ◽  
Past History ◽  
Minor Planets ◽  
The Past ◽  
Physical Study ◽  
History Of

Comets, minor planets and meteorites provide us with valuable information about the past history of the solar system. They belong to the most primitive samples of the primordial solar nebula. Over the past years, we can record a considerable increase of interest in these bodies.

Probing the New Solar System

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Planetary Systems ◽  
Planetary Exploration ◽  
Space Probe ◽  
International Astronomical Union ◽  
Historical Information ◽  
Dwarf Planets ◽  
International Astronomical ◽  
The Many ◽  
Definition Of

Exploration by space probes has revealed many fascinating details about Earth’s planetary neighbours. Today we stand on the threshold of the next phase of planetary exploration and knowledge, with several space probe missions currently underway and others being planned. Probing the New Solar System discusses the latest findings that have contributed to a changed understanding of the solar system – and how the revised definition of a planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union affected this understanding. Each chapter includes some historical information, ‘Did you know?’ items of particular interest to readers, and photographs of objects in the solar system showing newly discovered features of the planets, their moons and of dwarf planets. This is an up-to-date record of the many recent discoveries made about our solar system and other planetary systems using ground-based and space probe technology. It has been written for people interested in astronomy, both professional and amateur, as well as for students and educators.

Meridian section projections: a new class of the triaxial ellipsoid projections

2021 ◽  
Vol 968 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-22
Author(s):  
M.V. Nyrtsov ◽  
M.E. Fleis ◽  
A.I. Sokolov
Keyword(s):  
Triaxial Ellipsoid ◽  
International Astronomical Union ◽  
Small Bodies ◽  
New Class ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Meridian Section ◽  
International Astronomical ◽  
Global Mapping ◽  
Ellipsoid Of Revolution ◽  
Celestial Bodies

Historically the conformal projections have been used for mapping not only the Earth, but other celestial bodies as well. Their application enables preserving the shape of the relief features on the maps, which is extremely important for various analyses of celestial bodies’ surfaces. For many small bodies of the Solar system the International Astronomical Union recommends to apply a triaxial ellipsoid as a reference surface. But if the conformal projections for the reference surfaces of a sphere and an ellipsoid of revolution already exist, obtaining these projections for a triaxial ellipsoid will be significantly complicated, and the task of preserving the shape of relief features still actual. In general, the article deals with cylindrical and azimuthal projections of the meridian section for global mapping the celestial body surface in accordance with the idea formulated by prof. L. M. Bugaevsky. The projections are implemented for mapping of Phobos, moon of Mars.

Photometric observations of the main-belt asteroid 665 Sabine and Minor Planet Bulletin

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Sioulas
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Space Mission ◽  
Minor Planet ◽  
Minor Planets ◽  
Official Publication ◽  
Main Belt ◽  
Dwarf Planets ◽  
Photometric Observations ◽  
The Town

<p><strong>Photometric observations of the main-belt asteroid 665 Sabine and Minor Planet Bulletin</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Nick Sioulas</p> <p>NOAK Observatory, Stavraki (IAU code L02) Ioannina, Greece ([email protected])</p> <p><strong>Introduction</strong></p> <p>In this work, the photometric observations of the main-belt asteroid 665 Sabine were conducted from the NOAK Observatory, in Greece in order to determine its synodic rotation period. The results were submitted to Asteroid Lightcurve Photometry Database (ALCDEF) and Minor Planet Bulletin.</p> <p><strong>Abstract</strong></p> <p>The Minor Planet Bulletin is the official publication of the Minor Planets Section of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO). All amateurs and professionals can publish their asteroid photometry results, including lightcurves, H-G parameters, color indexes, and shape/spin axis models. It is also the refereed journal by the SAO/NASA ADS. All MPB papers are indexed in the ADS.</p> <p> </p> <p>The lightcurve of an asteroid can be used to determine the period, the shape and its size. We can also understand its composition (if it is a solid body or something else) and the orientation of the spin axes. Due to the high number of the asteroids the need of measuring them is important and all available telescopes are necessary to track them.</p> <p> </p> <p>My amateur observatory participates in the effort to record all these objects in the Solar System. It also conducts observations of various objects and other phenomena such as exoplanet transits, contributing to the Ariel Space Mission with the Exoclock Project, asteroid occultations and comet photometry.</p> <p>The observatory is registered in IAU as L02, «NOAK Observatory, Stavraki», in the town of Ioannina, Greece.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>References</strong></p> <p>[1] Roger Dymock: Asteroids and Dwarf Planets</p> <p>[2] Brian D. Warner: A Practical Guide to Lightcurve Photometry and Analysis</p> <p>[3] http://alcdef.org/index.php</p> <p>[4] http://www.minorplanet.info/MPB/</p>

scholarly journals Távoli csillagok és bolygóik új elnevezései

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 213-220
Author(s):  
Judit Kozma
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
100Th Anniversary ◽  
Press Conference ◽  
International Astronomical Union ◽  
International Astronomical ◽  
Autonomous Regions

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. To celebrate the occasion, the organisation announced a campaign for countries to name exoplanets, that is planets outside of our solar system and their stars. A total of 113 countries and autonomous regions took part in the campaign, choosing names by way of public votes. The IAU announced the 225 names chosen at a press conference on 17 December 2019 and accepted these as official (alongside the scientific names already in use). Following a brief description of exoplanets, the study categorises the planet names according to onomastic aspects and offers an overview of the names submitted to the Hungarian committee.

scholarly journals Rosetta CONSERT Data as a Testbed for In Situ Navigation of Space Probes and Radiosciences in Orbit/Escort Phases for Small Bodies of the Solar System

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 3747
Author(s):  
Mao Ye ◽  
Fei Li ◽  
Jianguo Yan ◽  
Alain Hérique ◽  
Wlodek Kofman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Autonomous Navigation ◽  
Space Mission ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Small Bodies ◽  
Tracking Station ◽  
Future Space ◽  
Comet 67P

Many future space missions to asteroids and comets will implement autonomous or near-autonomous navigation, in order to save costly observation time from Earth tracking stations, improve the security of spacecraft and perform real-time operations. Existing Earth-Spacecraft-Earth tracking modes rely on severely limited Earth tracking station resources, with back-and-forth delays of up to several hours. In this paper, we investigate the use of CONSERT ranging data acquired in direct visibility between the lander Philae and the Rosetta orbiter, in the frame of the ESA space mission to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, as a proxy of autonomous navigation and orbitography science capability.

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