Call for Observations of the Active Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann
Abstract
29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann is the most famous resident of the Centaur-JFC (Jupiter Family Comet) "gateway" region just beyond Jupiter. It may eventually become the brightest JFC in human history (Sarid et al., 2019). Its nucleus has exhibited a dust coma for more than 90 years, and it undergoes explosive outbursts several times a year. It is a strong candidate for a future space mission, and long-term dedicated and coordinated surveys from amateur and professional astronomers are needed to characterize the near-nucleus region and monitor material produced during outbursting events and quiescent outgassing activity. Through long-term monitoring we also seek to constrain the nucleus' rotation period and spin pole orientation. We request multi-wavelength, multi-modality observations, including visible lightcurves, photometry, broadband filter imaging, astrometry, spectroscopy, interferometry and occultations. This article provides suggested observing dates, guidance about useful observations, predictions for a minimum visual magnitude, and a link to an observing campaign planning website. Interested observers are also welcome to contact the first author.
- Publication:
-
Minor Planet Bulletin
- Pub Date:
- October 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020MPBu...47..350W
- Keywords:
-
- Minor Planets;
- Asteroids;
- Light Curves;
- Photometry;
- Periods