Dwarf planets (which were formerly called asteroids except for the planet Pluto), and the smaller Solar System bodies still called asteroids today, are making front page news, particularly those that are newly discovered and those that might present a hazard to life on Earth by impacting our planet. In this age of giant telescopes and space probes, these small Solar System bodies have advanced from being tiny points of light to bodies worthy of widespread study. This book describes the dwarf planets and asteroids themselves, their origins,orbits, and composition, and at how amateur astronomers can play a part in their detection, tracking, and imaging. The book is divided into two parts. PartI describes physical properties (including taxonomic types) of dwarf planets and asteroids, how they formed in the early life of the Solar System, and how they evolved to their present positions, groups, and families. It also covers the properties used to define these small Solar System bodies: magnitude, rotation rates (described by their light-curves), and orbital characteristics. Part II opens with a description of the hardware and software an amateur or practical astronomer needs to observe and also to image asteroids. Then numerous observing techniques are covered in depth. Finally, there are lists of relevant amateur and professional organizations and how to submit your own observationsto them. "Explains why dwarf planets and the larger asteroids are being studied in depth today Provides background material for those who have been following the Dawn space mission Helps prepare both experienced amateurs and newcomers in their efforts to detect and observe these bodies; the book can also serveas a handy reference for any astronomy library INDICE: Part I: Asteroids and Dwarf Planets.- Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Small (and Not So Small) Solar System Bodies.- Chapter 3: Groups and Families.- Chapter 4: The Nature of Asteroids and Dwarf Planets.- Chapter 5: Origins and Evolution.- Chapter 6: Impact?.- Part II: Observing Guide.- Chapter7: Observations.- Chapter 8: Visual Observing.- Chapter 9: Webcam and DSLR Imaging.- Chapter 10: Astrometry Tools and Techniques.- Chapter 11: Astrometry Projects.- Chapter 12: Lightcurve Photometry Tools and Techniques.- Chapter 13:Lightcurve Photometry Projects.- Chapter 14: Absolute Magnitude.- Chapter 15:Occultations.- Chapter 16: On-Line Image Analysis.- Chapter 17: A Final Word.- Appendices.- A: Professional and Amateur Organizations.- B: Resources.- C: Papers.- D: Astrometry How-To.- Index.
- ISBN: 978-1-4419-6438-0
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Rústica
- Páginas: 310
- Fecha Publicación: 29/11/2010
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés