Astrometrical observations of Pluto–Charon system with the automated telescopes of Pulkovo observatory. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Slesarenko, V.Yu.; Bashakova, E.A.; Devyatkin, A.V.
• Is Part Of: Planetary and space science. Volume 122(2016)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Pluto–Charon -- Astrometry -- Barycenter -- Photocenter; Space sciences -- Periodicals; Atmosphere, Upper -- Periodicals; Sciences spatiales -- Périodiques; Haute atmosphère -- Périodiques; 523
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2016.01.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-0633

Abstract

Abstract: The space probe "New Horizons" was launched on 19th of January 2006 in order to study Pluto and its moons. Spacecraft performed close fly-by to Pluto on 14th of July 2015 and obtained the most detailed images of Pluto and its moon until this moment. At the same time, observation obtained by the ground-based telescopes may also be helpful for the research of such distant system. Thereby, the Laboratory of observational astrometry of Pulkovo Observatory of RAS made a decision to reprocess observations obtained during last decade. More than 350 positional observations of Pluto–Charon system were carried out with the mirror astrograph ZA-320M at Pulkovo and Maksutov telescope MTM-500M near Kislovodsk. These observations were processed by means of software system APEX-II developed in Pulkovo observatory and numerical simulations were performed to calculate the differences between positions of photocenter and barycenter of Pluto–Charon system. Highlights: More than 350 ground-based observations for ten year period were analyzed. Correction for the position of barycenter and photocenter was performed. Results were compared to DE405 and DE431 ephemeris.