Session 3I: Searching for the Ninth Planet: Studying the Characteristics of the Trans-Neptunian Object DeeDee
Session Number
Session 3I: 1st Presentation
Advisor(s)
Douglas Tucker, Fermilab
Location
Room B108
Start Date
28-4-2017 1:15 PM
End Date
28-4-2017 2:30 PM
Abstract
Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) represent the final frontier in research of the solar system. One recently discovered object, nicknamed “DeeDee” by researchers, has unusual orbit characteristics which could suggest the plausibility of a ninth planet the size of Neptune beyond the Kuiper Belt. This ongoing investigation aims to determine the characteristics of DeeDee via analyzing the photometric spectrum of DeeDee and comparing it to similar TNOs. To maximize the accuracy of the study, scripts were created which compared the focal response across the Dark Energy Camera's focal plane in order to generate precise values of how the filter system affects the object since the photometry is done using the Dark Energy Camera's filter system. Thus far, the object appears to be unlike that of any of the other Trans Neptunian objects scientists have encountered.
Session 3I: Searching for the Ninth Planet: Studying the Characteristics of the Trans-Neptunian Object DeeDee
Room B108
Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) represent the final frontier in research of the solar system. One recently discovered object, nicknamed “DeeDee” by researchers, has unusual orbit characteristics which could suggest the plausibility of a ninth planet the size of Neptune beyond the Kuiper Belt. This ongoing investigation aims to determine the characteristics of DeeDee via analyzing the photometric spectrum of DeeDee and comparing it to similar TNOs. To maximize the accuracy of the study, scripts were created which compared the focal response across the Dark Energy Camera's focal plane in order to generate precise values of how the filter system affects the object since the photometry is done using the Dark Energy Camera's filter system. Thus far, the object appears to be unlike that of any of the other Trans Neptunian objects scientists have encountered.
Comments
Additional team members: Dr. William Wester