We propose to continue our survey to discover near earth objects (neos) with the pan-starrs system, expanded to include the pan-STARRS2 observatory (PS2) together with the pan-STARRS1 observatory…

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has been awarded a $14,868,119.59 grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to continue its survey of near-Earth objects (NEOs) using the Pan-STARRS system, which includes the Pan-STARRS1 (PS1) and Pan-STARRS2 (PS2) observatories. The goal is to double the survey power by utilizing both PS1 and PS2 to discover more NEOs, including larger and potentially hazardous asteroids. The project will also explore ways to improve the discovery rate through software advancements. This grant does not have any set-aside designations.

We propose to continue our survey to discover near earth objects (neos) with the pan-starrs system, expanded to include the pan-STARRS2 observatory (PS2) together with the pan-STARRS1 observatory (PS1). Since the start of dedicated use of pan- starrs for NEO discovery in spring of 2014, PS1 has discovered over 40% of all neos and over 50% of the larger neos and potentially hazardous asteroids. PS1 is also the leading discovery telescope for neos larger than 1 KM in diameter. With PS2 we will at least double our raw survey power. The pan-STARRS2 observatory is complete, and we expect to complete its camera (GPC2) soon, and add science operations with PS2 to the ongoing PS1 survey. PS2 will be in full science operations by the start of the period of performance of this proposal. The PS2 optics are superior to those of PS1, and we have eliminated the cause of correlated read noise that afflicts faint objects in the camera on PS1. Thus we expect PS2 to be slightly superior to PS1 in discovering neos. The pan-starrs system with both PS1 and PS2 will change the landscape of NEO discovery. We can double the area surveyed, or perform self follow-up observations, which will significantly decrease the number of objects lost due to an absence of follow-up. More self-follow-up will also avoid biases introduced by the digest score, and provide a more systematic survey. We will investigate wide area survey strategies ranging between these two extremes to optimize for the most complete NEO survey and to reduce losses of rare or camouflaged neos that we are currently under-sampling. In addition to bringing the survey power of PS2 on line, we have identified promising avenues where we can improve our discovery rate by advances in software, including improved DE-trending, astrometry, object detection, image subtraction and machine learning techniques. Finally, we have an experienced team with a proven record of success.