N. Morales
A5007876507- Astro and Planetary Science
- Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation
- Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae
- Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Atmospheric Ozone and Climate
- Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
- Space Satellite Systems and Control
- Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- High-pressure geophysics and materials
- Geological and Geochemical Analysis
- Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research
- Scientific Research and Discoveries
- Adaptive optics and wavefront sensing
- Calibration and Measurement Techniques
- Astronomical and nuclear sciences
- History and Developments in Astronomy
- SAS software applications and methods
- Wastewater Treatment and Nitrogen Removal
- Mathematics Education and Teaching Techniques
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
2011-2025
Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía
2016-2025
Robotic Technology (United States)
2025
Astrobotic (United States)
2025
McDonald's (United States)
2023
Adıyaman University
2023
Odlewnie Polskie (Poland)
2023
University of Chile
2019-2022
Universidad de La Frontera
2011
University of Liège
2011
Abstract The physical and orbital parameters of trans-Neptunian objects provide valuable information about the solar system’s formation evolution. In particular, characterization binaries provides insights into mechanisms that may be playing a role at such large distances from Sun. Studies show two distinct populations, (38628) Huya occupies an intermediate position between unequal-sized those with components roughly equal sizes. this work, we predicted observed three stellar occultation...
Proxima could host a planet on ∼5-year orbit, which Gaia can confirm in the near future providing its exact mass.
We present results derived from the first multi-chord stellar occultations by transneptunian object (50000) Quaoar, observed on 2011 May 4 and 2012 February 17, a single-chord occultation October 15. If timing of five chords obtained in were correct, then Quaoar would possess topographic features (crater or mountain) that be too large for body this mass. An alternative model consists applying time shifts to some account possible errors. Satisfactory elliptical fits are possible, yielding an...
We propose that several short duration events observed in past stellar occultations by Chiron were produced rings material. From a reanalysis of the occultation data literature we determined two possible orientations pole Chiron's rings, with ecliptic coordinates l=(352+/-10) deg, b=(37+/-10) deg or l=(144+/-10) b=(24+/-10) . The mean radius is (324 +/- 10) km. One can use rotational lightcurve amplitude at different epochs to distinguish between solutions for pole. Both imply lower 2013...
On 2013 September 11 at 20h07m28.68 $\pm$ 0.01 s UTC, two telescopes operated in the framework of our lunar impact flashes monitoring project recorded an extraordinary flash produced by on Moon a large meteoroid selenographic coordinates 17.2 0.2 $^{\circ}$ S, 20.5 W. The peak brightness this reached 2.9 mag V and it lasted over 8 seconds. estimated energy released during was 15.6 2.5 tons TNT under assumption luminous efficiency 0.002. This event, which is longest brightest confirmed thus...
Small low-mass stars are favourable targets for the detection of rocky habitable planets. In particular, planetary systems in solar neighbourhood interesting and suitable precise characterisation. The Red Dots campaigns seek to discover planets orbiting nearby stars. 2018 campaign targeted GJ 1061, which is 20$^{\rm th}$ nearest star Sun. For three consecutive months we obtained nightly, high-precision radial velocity measurements with HARPS spectrograph. We analysed these data together...
We present results from the most comprehensive radio monitoring campaign towards closest star to our Sun, Proxima Centauri. report 1.1 3.1 GHz observations with Australian Telescope Compact Array over 18 consecutive days in April 2017. detect emission Centauri for of observing sessions, which spanned $\sim$1.6 orbital periods planet b. The is stronger at low-frequency band, centered around 1.6 GHz, and consistent expected electron-cyclotron frequency known star's magnetic field intensity...
We were able to accurately predict the shadow path and successfully observe an occultation of a bright star by Chiron on December 15, 2022. The Kottamia Astronomical Observatory in Egypt did not detect solid body, but we found three extinction features light curve that had symmetrical counterparts with respect central time occultation. One is broad shallow, whereas other two are sharper, maximum ∼25% at achieved spatial resolution 19 km per data point. From Wise Israel, detected caused main...
We present results of 6 years observations, reduced and analyzed with the same tools in a systematic way. report completely new data for 15 objects, 5 objects we analysis previously published plus additional 9 already published. Lightcurves, possible rotation periods photometric amplitudes are reported all them. The variability is smaller than thought: mean amplitude our sample 0.1mag only around 15% has larger 0.15mag. thought seems to be bias previous observations. find very weak trend...
Images of asteroid (596) Scheila have been acquired at various dates after the discovery 2010 outburst. Assuming a short-duration event scenario, as suggested by quick vanishing dust tail brightness with time, and numerically integrating equation motion individual particles ejected from surface, we developed model which estimate parameters associated geometry ejection, size distribution, velocity distribution particles, well total mass ejected. We found weak inverse power-law dependence...
We analyze two multi-chord stellar occultations by Pluto observed on July 18th, 2012 and May 4th, 2013, monitored respectively from five six sites. They provide a total of fifteen light-curves, twelve them being used for simultaneous fit that uses unique temperature profile, assuming clear (no-haze) pure N_2 atmosphere, but allowing possible pressure variation between the dates. find solution fits satisfactorily (i.e. within noise level) all providing atmospheric constraints ~1,190 km...
Two narrow and dense rings (called C1R C2R) were discovered around the Centaur object (10199) Chariklo during a stellar occultation observed on 2013 June 3. Following this discovery, we planned observations of several occultations by Chariklo's system in order to better characterize physical properties ring main body. Here, use 12 successful occulations between 2014 2016. They provide profiles (physical width, opacity, edge structure) constraints radii pole position. Our new are currently...
Combining stellar occultation observations probing Pluto's atmosphere from 1988 to 2013, and models of energy balance between surface atmosphere, we find the preferred are consistent with Pluto retaining a collisional throughout its 248-year orbit. The results show an increasing atmospheric pressure time in current epoch, trend present only high thermal inertia permanent N2 ice cap at north rotational pole.
Abstract Eris, one of the five official dwarf planets, is slightly smaller than Pluto and notable for its high geometric albedo homogeneous surface, which has hindered a clear determination rotation period. Recently, it was shown that Eris tidally locked to 15.786-day orbit satellite, Dysnomia. Our analysis Eris’ Gaia DR3 photometry reveals strong periodicity peak at 18.852 ± 0.003 hours, most prominent in Lomb-Scargle periodogram, with stronger signal 15.77 0.02-day period also present...
<i>Aims. <i/>We compile and analyze an extended database of light curve parameters scattered in the literature to search for correlations study physical properties, including internal structure constraints.<i>Methods. a vast by obtaining mean rotational properties entire sample, determining spin frequency distribution comparing those data with simple model based on hydrostatic equilibrium.<i>Results. <i/>For rotation periods, value obtained is 6.95 h whole 6.88 Trans-neptunian objects (TNOs)...
We present several lines of evidence, based on different kinds observations, and we conclude that it is likely rotational fission has occurred for a fraction the known trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). It also number binary systems have formed from process in belt. show Haumea is, potentially, an example object suffered fission. Its current fast spin would be slight evolution primordial spin, rather than result catastrophic collision. This because percentage rotating faster 4 h not small...
Context. The prediction of stellar occultations by trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Centaurs is a difficult challenge that requires accuracy both in the occulted star position object ephemeris. Until now, most used method prediction, involving dozens TNOs/Centaurs, has been to consider constant offset for right ascension declination with respect reference ephemeris, usually latest public version. This determined as difference between recent observations TNO/Centaur can be successfully...