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

该研究项目将包括地面和太空观测两个太阳系小天体，主要带小行星1谷神星和穿越行星的天体2201奥尔加托。过去对这两个天体的观测已经揭示了可能存在的挥发性活动的证据。谷神星是最大的主带小行星，形成于火星和木星之间的内太阳系。最近对谷神星一侧的观测表明，3085 A的辐射是由水解离产生的OH分子引起的。2201奥尔加托在一个短暂的轨道上，穿过火星、地球和金星。有动力学证据表明，它可能是从类似彗星的轨道演变而来的，并且通过紫外线光度测量，可以得出合理的水的产生速率，假设通量是由于OH分子的荧光。在研究者访问期间，这两个天体将被再次观测，以确定常见彗星挥发物OH， CN，C2和C3使用观察实验，这些实验旨在对这些物种的丰度设定技术上可能的最敏感的限制。这个项目的结果将使我们能够比较起源于内太阳系的物体与很可能来自外太阳系的物体的挥发性活动的性质。该项目进一步推进了VPW项目的目标，即通过研究为女性提供在科学或工程领域发展的机会，并通过研究者在主办校园中作为榜样的知名度提高，鼓励其他女性在这些领域追求职业。有助于实现第二个目标的拟议活动包括：为天文学和地质系教授本科课程；指导本科生开展科研项目；主持部门座谈会；参加旨在增加妇女参与该系列活动的讨论会；并与妇女科学协会的地区分会进行互动。

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.