Characterization of Binary and Triple Systems in the Near-Earth, Main Belt, and Trans-Neptunian Populations

主要研究员（PI）和支持的研究生将进行一项研究，以描述近地天体，主带小行星和跨海王星天体群中的二元和三元系统，其目标是限制小行星的性质，起源和演变。提议小组将使用各种观测技术进行地面观测，包括直接光学成像、自适应光学成像、雷达成像和光变曲线观测。具体目标是：（1）测量小行星的物理性质，包括质量、大小和密度，这将限制热和机械性质以及内部结构;（2）检验双星形成和随后演变过程的理论，包括潮汐演变、辐射演变、碰撞演变和引力介导的无碰撞相互作用;（3）推断早期太阳系的成分和热特征以及当前挥发分分布的约束条件。该团队预计在项目期间将详细描述几个近地多次波，几个主带多次波和至少一个跨海王星多次波。支持的研究生将获得观测规划，观测技术，校准，分析，天体测量，统计和数值方法以及科学交流方面的专业知识。将开发一个为雷达观察员社区服务的协作研究环境（wiki）。该团队将积极参与公共宣传，在各种活动和教师研讨会上发表演讲，并计划通过社交媒体向公众传播令人兴奋的成果。

The Principal Investigator (PI) and supported graduate students will conduct a study to characterize binary and triple systems in the near-Earth object, main-belt asteroid, and trans-Neptunian object populations, with the goal of constraining the nature, origin, and evolution of minor planets. The proposing team will conduct ground-based observations using a variety of observational techniques, including direct optical imaging, adaptive optics imaging, radar imaging, and light curve observations. The specific objectives are (1) to measure the physical properties of minor planets, including masses, sizes, and densities, which will constrain thermal and mechanical properties as well as interior structure; (2) to test theories for the formation of binaries and subsequent evolutionary processes, including tidal evolution, radiative evolution, collisional evolution, and collisionless interactions mediated by gravity; and (3) to infer constraints on the compositional and thermal characteristics of the early Solar System, and on the current distribution of volatiles. The team anticipates a detailed characterization of several near-Earth multiples, several main belt multiples, and at least one trans-Neptunian multiple during the project. The supported graduate students will gain expertise in observation planning, observing techniques, calibration, analysis, astrometric measurements, statistical and numerical methods, and scientific communication. A collaborative research environment (wiki) serving the community of radar observers will be developed. The team will actively engage in public outreach with presentations at various events and teacher workshops, and plans to disseminate exciting results to the public through social media.