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J.M. Bauer (Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)), B. Buratti (JPL), K.J. Meech (Institute for Astronomy, Univ. of Hawaii (UHIfA)), M.D. Hicks (JPL), Y. R. Fernandez, J. Bedient (UHIfA)
We review Chiron's activity over the last decade. Analysis of our photometric and broad-band color observations will allow us to estimate the characteristic time scale of outbursts as well as further investigate the relationship between colors and activity, and produce dust production estimates. Spectral observations from 0.4 to 4.0 microns will allow us to constrain the prevalence of water ice and identify non-water-ice constituents. We will explore the effects of activity on spectroscopic absorption bands using near-infrared spectra taken both during Chiron's quiescent, post-perihelion behavior, when HR(\alpha,0) was as faint as 7 mag., and during the Centaur's more recent activity. Finally, we will compare its behavior to that of the Centaur C/NEAT (2001 T4), one of the few active Centaurs and one which has similar heliocentric distance, orbital eccentricity, and inclination.
{\small J. Bauer is a National Research Council postdoctoral fellow at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology}
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #4
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.