Donald P. Pray
A5059251203- Astro and Planetary Science
- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
- Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
- Geological and Geochemical Analysis
- High-pressure geophysics and materials
- Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae
- Laser-induced spectroscopy and plasma
- Astronomical and nuclear sciences
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
- Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
- Adaptive optics and wavefront sensing
- Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
- Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies
- Geophysics and Gravity Measurements
- Scientific Research and Discoveries
- Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
- Historical Astronomy and Related Studies
- History and Developments in Astronomy
- Molecular Spectroscopy and Structure
Rocky Mountain Research (United States)
2013-2024
Deerfield (United States)
2014-2024
The Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory
2005-2011
University of North Alabama
1994
Basaltic V-type asteroids are common in the inner part of Main Asteroid Belt and much less abundant mid outer parts. They scientific interest because they sample crusts mantles theoretically plentiful differentiated planetesimals that existed Solar System four billion years ago. Some theories suggest those objects formed terrestrial planet region were then implanted main asteroid belt. In consequence, we should observe a large number fragments multiple Belt. That is filled with fragments;...
Abstract On 2022 September 26, the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft impacted Dimorphos, satellite of binary near-Earth asteroid (65803) Didymos. This demonstrated efficacy a kinetic impactor for planetary defense by changing orbital period Dimorphos 33 minutes. Measuring change relied heavily on coordinated campaign lightcurve photometry designed to detect mutual events (occultations and eclipses) as direct probe satellite’s period. A total 28 telescopes contributed 224...
Abstract The existence of asteroid pairs, two bodies on similar heliocentric orbits, reveals an ongoing process rotational fission among asteroids. This newly found class objects has not been studied in detail yet. Here we choose asteroids (6070) Rheinland and (54827) 2001 NQ8, the most suitable pair for in-depth analysis. First, use available optical photometry to determine their state convex shapes. Rotational pole is very near south ecliptic with a latitude uncertainty about 10°. There...
Context.
Context . The rotation state of small asteroids is affected in the long term by perturbing torques gravitational and radiative origin (the YORP effect). former can be detected a change spin-axis orientation inertial space; latter manifests itself quadratic increase phase. Aims Direct observational evidence effect primary goal our work. This includes both detection for new objects an improvement accuracy previously known detections. Methods We carried out photometric observations five...
Aims.We present physical models of ten asteroids obtained by means lightcurve inversion. A substantial part the photometric data was observed amateur astronomers. We emphasize importance a coordinated network observers that will be extreme for future all-sky asteroid surveys.
ABSTRACT The Schulhof family, a tight cluster of small asteroids around the central main belt body (2384) Schulhof, belongs to so far rare class very young families (estimated ages less than 1 Myr). Characterization these asteroid clusters may provide important insights into physics catastrophic disruption their parent body. case family has been up now complicated by existence two proposed epochs its origin. In this paper, we first use our own photometric observations, as well archival data,...
Context. The study of non-principal axis (NPA) rotators can provide important clues to the evolution spin state asteroids. However, very few studies date have focused on NPA-rotating main belt asteroids (MBAs). One MBA known be in an excited rotation is asteroid (5247) Krylov. Aims. By using disk-integrated photometric data, we construct a physical model Krylov including shape and state. Methods. We applied light curve convex inversion method employing optical curves obtained by ground-based...