[Previous] | [Session 12] | [Next]
K. Noll (STScI), M. Buie, W. Grundy, R. Millis, J. Spencer (Lowell), D. Cruikshank (Nasa/AMES), W. Romanishin (U. OK), S. Tegler (NAU)
We have begun a large photometric survey of Kuiper Belt objects using the Hubble Space Telescope. Up to 150 objects will be observed in a snapshot program using the WFPC2 camera. We are observing objects down to predicted V magnitudes of 24 in three filters approximating the standard V, R, and I bands.
By 18 September, 26 targets had been observed. Our targets include all known dynamical classes, allowing us to search our sample for correlations of color and dynamical properties. We present preliminary photometric results. In particular, we will focus on the reported correlation of color with perihelion distance (Tegler and Romanishin, Nature 407, 979, 2000).
Our program is the largest ever to observe solar system objects using the recently acquired ability use HST's snapshot mode for moving targets. So far, all but one KBO has been successfully observed. We describe details of our observing program.
This research is supported by a grant to STScI; GO-9060.