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[14.06] Spectrum of MUSES-C target asteroid 1998 SF36 from TRISPEC observations

C. Salyk (MIT), D.J. Tholen (IfA)

A spectrum spanning 0.5 - 2.5 microns was obtained for the asteroid 1998 SF36, the target of Japanese sample-return mission MUSES-C, which is scheduled for launch at the end of 2002. The asteroid was observed with the UKIRT telescope on Mauna Kea, on 2001 March 2 and 3 UT using a new instrument called TRISPEC (Triple Range Imager and SPECtrograph), developed by Nagoya University graduate students H. Nakaya, M. Watanabe and T. Yamamuro. Using three optical channels, this instrument allows simultaneous observations in a visible and two infrared bands, each with its own detector. Preliminary spectra confirm results of Binzel et al. (2001, Meteoritics Plan. Sci., 36, 1167-1172) that 1998 SF36 is an S-type asteroid. Further analysis of band-depth ratios should reveal more detailed information about its composition and classification. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates Site grant AST99-87896 to the University of Hawaii.

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #3< br> © 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.