Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Observations of minor planets with the very large array

  • Astrometric Problems
  • Published:
Celestial mechanics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The weak thermal emission from the largest minor planets can be detected and measured at all points around their orbits at microwave frequencies using the Very Large Array (VLA). Position determinations of astrometric quality have been obtained, and flux measurements have provided size estimates. When enough precise positional observations have been accumulated, the orbits of the minor planets and the Earth can be determined. This will allow the equinox to be located within the radio reference frame, providing a truly fundamental coordinate system for radio source positions. It will also provide a means of relating the optical and radio (quasar) coordinate systems.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andrew, B. H. (1974) Icarus22, 454.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baars, J. W. M., Genzel, R., Pauliny-Toth, I. I. K., and Wetzel A. (1977) Astron. Astrophysics61, 99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Branham, R. L. (1979) Astron. Papers of the American Ephemeris21, pt II, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

    Google Scholar 

  • Briggs, P. H. (1973) Astrophys. J.184, 637.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duncombe, R. L. (1969) Astron. Papers of the American Ephemeris20, pt. II, Government Printing, Office, Washington, D. C.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, E. S. (1968) Astron. Papers of the American Ephemeris20, pt. 1, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, K. J., Seidelmann, P. K. and Wade, C. M. (1982) Astron. J.87, 1593–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, K. J., Wade, C. M., Florkowski, D. R., and de Vegt, C. (1984) to be submitted to A. J.

  • Morrison, D. (1974) Astrophys. J.194, 203–212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schubart, J. and Matson, D. (1979)Asteroids, edited by T. Gehrels, University of Arizona, Tucson, p. 84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulich, B. H. and Conklin, E. K. (1976) Icarus27, 183.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. U.S. Naval Observatory, 20390, Washington, D.C.

    P. K. Seidelmann & G. H. Kaplan

  2. E. O. Hulburt Center for Space Research, Naval Research Laboratory, 20375, Washington, D.C.

    K. J. Johnston

  3. National Radio Astronomy Observatory, 87801, Socorro, New Mexico

    C. M. Wade

Authors
  1. P. K. Seidelmann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. G. H. Kaplan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. K. J. Johnston
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. C. M. Wade
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is operated by Associated Universities, Incorporated, under contract with the National Science Foundation.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Seidelmann, P.K., Kaplan, G.H., Johnston, K.J. et al. Observations of minor planets with the very large array. Celestial Mechanics 34, 39–48 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01235790

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01235790

Keywords

Search

Navigation