Western Kentucky University
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Colloquium

Dr. Patrick Miller

Department of Mathematics
Hardin-Simmons University

"Solar System Debris Fields: Student Discovery of Main Belt Asteroids & Near-Earth Objects"

October 17, 2011

Abstract

The Main Belt of asteroids between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter will be briefly discussed. Also, discussed will be how some of this rocky debris has been dispersed to the inner Solar System where it crosses Earth’s orbit, posing an impact risk. In addition, the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC = “Isaac”) will be overviewed. This is an online astronomical discovery program for high schools and colleges. Students from 300 schools per year participate from more than 40 countries located on 5 continents. These students make original discoveries of Main Belt asteroids and NEOs that are reported to the Minor Planet Center (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Harvard) and, in time, recognized by the International Astronomical Union (Paris).