VPW: Primitive Solar System Objects: Volatile Activity on Inner Solar System Bodies (Astronomy)

该研究项目将涉及地面和 对两个太阳系小天体的天基观测， 主带小行星谷神星1和行星穿越体2201 Oljato. 过去对这两具尸体的观察显示 可能存在挥发性活动的证据 1谷神星是最大的主 带小行星，并形成于火星之间的内太阳系 木星。 最近对谷神星一个分支的观测表明， 示出了在3085 A处的发射，其可归因于来自 水的分解。 2201 Oljato在一个短暂的轨道上， 穿越火星地球和金星 有动力 有证据表明它可能是从一个类似彗星的 轨道和紫外线光度测量， 合理的产水率可以推导出假设 通量是由于OH分子的荧光。 这两个物体 将在研究者访视期间再次观察 对生物的丰度和生产率设定上限 常见的彗星挥发物OH、CN、C2和C3， 观测实验的目的是 在技术上可能对丰度的敏感限制 这些物种。 该项目的结果将使我们能够比较 起源于内部的物体上的挥发性活动的性质 太阳系，其中一个很可能来自外部 太阳系 该项目进一步推动了VPW计划的目标， 妇女在科学领域发展事业的机会， 通过研究工程，并鼓励其他妇女， 追求职业生涯在这些领域通过调查员的增强 作为东道校园的榜样。 拟议 有助于实现第二个目标的活动包括： 教授天文学和 地质系;本科生指导 开展研究项目;举办部门座谈会; 参加座谈会，计划增加 妇女问题;以及与 妇女科学协会。

The research project will involve both ground-based and space-based observations of two small solar system bodies, the main belt asteroid, 1 Ceres, and the planet-crossing body, 2201 Oljato. Past observations of both these bodies have revealed possible evidence of volatile activity. 1 Ceres is the largest main belt asteroid, and formed in the inner solar system between Mars and Jupiter. Recent observations at one limb of Ceres have shown emission at 3085 A attributable to OH molecules from dissociation of water. 2201 Oljato is in a short-lived orbit which crosses the planets Mars, Earth, and Venus. There is dynamical evidence indicating that it may have evolved from a comet-like orbit, and ultraviolet photometric measurements from which a reasonable production rate of water can be derived assuming the flux is due to fluorescence of OH molecules. Both these objects will be observed again during the tenure of the investigator's visit to place upper limits on the abundance and production rates of common cometary volatiels OH, CN, C2 and C3 using observational experiments that are designed to place the most sensitive limits that are technically possible on the abundance of these species. The results of this project will enable us to compare the nature of volatile activity on an object which originated in the inner solar system, with one that quite possibly is derived from the outer solar system. This project furthers VPW program objectives to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in science or engineering through research, and to encourage other women to pursue careers in these areas through the investigator's enhanced visibility as a role model on the host campus. The proposed activities which contribute to the second objective include: teaching undergraduate courses for both the Astronomy and Geology Departments; supervising undergraduate students carrying out research projects; presenting departmental colloquia; participating in colloquia planning to increase the participation of women in the series; and interacting with regional chapters of the Association of Women in Science.