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E. Rhoads (U. of Minnesota)
The digitized first epoch Palomar Observatory Sky Survey (POSS I) was an ideal and unused archive for the purpose of data mining Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs). When accounting for overlap in TNO phase space and the area of the plates covered by stars and galaxies, the effective sky coverage area for this search was 4931 square degrees for Plutinos, and 4992 square degrees for classical TNOs. Using constraints based on the properties of known TNOs, computer codes were used to separate TNO candidates from millions of stars and galaxies. Lists of possible TNO, Centaur, and asteroid candidates were created. The results of this survey yielded 17 reliable TNOs and TNO candidates, including Pluto, Quaoar, and Varuna. In addition to the TNOs, 27 Centaur and 29 Asteroid candidates were found. The TNO Quaoar was pre-covered, and the Main Belt Asteroid (395) Delia was also recovered.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #2
© 2005. The American Astronomical Soceity.