Spitzer Space Telescope - Guaranteed Time Observer Proposal #50746


The Latitudinal Distribution of Solar System Small Bodies

Principal Investigator: Giovanni Fazio
           Institution: Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

     Technical Contact: Bidushi Bhattacharya, Caltech

Co-Investigators: 
Victoria Meadows, University of Washington                            
Ed Tedesco, Planetary Science Institute                               
Bryan Penprase, Pomona College                                        
Carl Grillmair, SSC                                                   
Amanda Mainzer, JPL                                                   
Marco Delbo, Observatoire de la Cote d'Azur                           

Science Category: asteroids 
 Observing Modes: MipsScan 
  Hours Approved: 25.6 

Abstract:
Spitzer is uniquely poised to examine the remnants of primordial planetesimals
in the Solar System. To date, several surveys have provided unprecedented number
counts and sky plane densities of small MBAs. Observations at EcLat = 0, +5, and
-9 degrees indicate that the sky plane density does not drop off quickly with
distance from the plane, as previously thought. An appreciable number of smaller
asteroids has been detected at higher latitudes. We propose to build upon these
results by obtaining deep MIPS 24um observations down to 0.02 mJy at EcLat = 0,
17, and 25 degrees. We further work to determine radiometric diameters and
albedos for the larger, known objects by obtaining near-simultaneous
observations with the Pomona College 1-meter telescope at Table Mountain
Observatory.