Events in Physics
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
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Matthew Payne (CfA)PS1.28Unveiling The Structure of the Outer Solar System using Occultations The occultation method is the only practical technique for measuring the size-distribution and spatial-distribution of small (sub-km and km-sized) objects in the outer Solar System (OSS). Measuring these properties will provide unique information on both the dynamical processes which sculpted the OSS, as well as on the material strength and properties of its constituent bodies.
I will begin by discussing some recent theoretical results on the possible structure of the outer Solar System, including some novel results regarding the inner reaches of the Oort Cloud. I will then discuss the implications of these models for on-going and future occultation surveys.
I will then turn to outline the results-from, and prospects-for, our on-going, ground-based IMACS Occultation survey. And finally I will discuss our proposed space-based Whipple occultation survey and outline the variety of work that is underway to further the development of this mission.
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