An extensive photometric study of the dwarf planet Makemake
Abstract
We will present a photometric study of the dwarf planet Makemake based on new observational data obtained between 2006 and 2017 using 0.7 to 3.6-m telescopes around the world. Based on this extensive dataset we derive a high precision rotational period estimate. The resulting lightcurve has a small peak-to-peak amplitude variability, that implies an almost spherical shape or an elongated object in a pole-on orientation. Multi-colour observations allowed us to measure surface colours of Makemake. The magnitude phase dependence slope is quite low and is similar to other bodies with methane ice-rich surfaces. Combining our and literature data we tested Makemake for the existence of long-term brightness variations, and searched for the signs of a satellite.
- Publication:
-
European Planetary Science Congress
- Pub Date:
- September 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018EPSC...12..692H