Planetary Sciences

Spectroscopy of small Solar System bodies

Keywords: Solar System, Spectra, Models, Observations

Advisor: Jorge M. Carvano

Abstract: The spectrum of small bodies in the Solar System allows us to understand the surface compositions of these bodies and also their surface properties. However, the interpretation of these spectra depends on both physical models and laboratory studies. In this project we seek to map the compositions of diverse populations of small bodies in the Solar System through modeling, observations and laboratory data.

Requirements: Training in physics, astronomy, mathematics; knowledge of programming languages, in particular python; knowledge of English (reading, writing).

Study of asteroids from data from photometric campaigns

Keywords: Solar System, Small Bodies, IMPACTON, J-PAS, J-PLUS, S-PLUS

Advisor: Jorge M. Carvano

Abstract: Photometric campaigns, which seek to obtain images of large regions of the sky in various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, are currently an important source of data for the studies of diverse populations of small bodies in the solar system. This project aims to use data from the J-PLUS, S-PLUS and J-PAS campaigns to study different populations of asteroids and also to contribute to the discovery of objects not yet known.

Requirements: Training in physics, astronomy, mathematics; knowledge of programming languages, in particular python; knowledge of English (reading, writing).

Astrometric and photometric study of small bodies in the Solar System observed by the Survey of Dark Energy

Keywords: Solar System: small bodies; photometry; astrometry; big surveys

Advisor: Julio Camargo

Abstract: The Dark Energy Survey (DES) - mapped about 5,000 square degrees of the southern celestial hemisphere over 6 years (2013−2019), in 5 optical filters, to reveal the nature of the mysterious dark energy. Among the hundreds of millions of galaxies observed, priority targets for DES, more than 300,000 objects in the Solar System have been observed. With this, DES is also an astrometric and photometric treasure for the study of small bodies. In this project, we propose the photometric exploration of these objects to determine their surface properties and to search for correlations between these properties and orbital parameters. Astrometric information will also be used to improve the orbits of these bodies. The candidate will be a DES collaborator and can be part of the LSST (Legacy Survey of Space and Time).

Requirements: Python, FORTRAN (desirable), knowledge of English