PHOTOMETRIC observations of near-earth and radar-target asteroids a study of near-earth asteroids (NEAS) can take any one of several directions, each with own relevance to the stated goals of NASA S…

PHOTOMETRIC observations of near-earth and radar-target asteroids a study of near-earth asteroids (NEAS) can take any one of several directions, each with own relevance to the stated goals of NASA S planetary research programs and importance in advancing our knowledge of the solar system. In our proposal, we concentrate on two specific aspects of NEA research. We also include a third element, one that coordinates and collates the efforts of the asteroid photometry community so that NEA research can advance as efficiently as possible. The first element is the acquisition and analysis of PHOTOMETRIC data of near-earth asteroids, which will improve statistics on rotation rates and orientation of spin axes. This will lead to improved qualitative and quantitative understanding of the thermal forces that effect rotation rates and orbit sizes of small asteroids, which has a direct implication on the study of impact probabilities and severity. The rotation and spin axis studies directly address the NASA goals of investigating the origins and evolution of our solar system, which can then be applied to our studies of extrasolar systems. We will conduct detailed lightcurve (PHOTOMETRIC) observations of near-earth and radar-target asteroids using a cadre of up to eight telescopes located in colorado and california, ranging in size from 0.3 to 0.5 meters. From these observations, we will determine the rotation rates of these objects and publish the results in a timely fashion. The raw data from the observations will also be made available in short order for those wanting to do independent analysis. When sufficient data are available, we will model the shape and spin axis orientation of an object and make those results available to the research community in addition to doing our own statistical studies. The second element of our proposal is to analyze the latest available data on NEAS with an eye on assessing the total size of the NEA population and the size distribution within IT. First, however, we will review the effectiveness and efficiency of past and current surveys in order to determine how well the available data represent the true NEA population statistics. We will then use that information to assess how future surveys will affect the raw numbers used in NEA population and size distribution studies. We will project that forward to estimate residual risk as future surveys progress and, assuming time to completion of various putative systems, estimate a cost-benefit value of such systems. This directly addresses the question of whether a given survey system (either ground or spacebased) is worth IT in actuarial terms. The core of the third element is the continued maintenance of the asteroid lightcurve database (LCDB). The LCDB contains rotation rates, sizes, albedos, and other information gathered from the literature. This compilation has become a critical tool, not only for our research and analysis, but for the entire asteroid community. The LCDB is frequently cited in papers in journals such as icarus, astronomy and astrophysics, planetary & space science, and the minor planet bulletin, among others. The entire LCDB is made freely available to the public, both as a set of text files that are updated periodically, and via an on-line query-by-example form on the minorplanet.info web site. Special versions of the LCDB are sent to the ITA in ST. Petersburg, russia, for the annual ephemerides of minor planets, as well as the NASA PDS and the minor planet center. The LCDB is our most significant product, other than the lightcurve observations and analysis. The minorplanet.info web site includes a set of pages that help coordinate the efforts of asteroid photometrists around the world. IT also serves as a gateway to the page on the minor planet center web site where raw PHOTOMETRIC data can be uploaded and so be made freely available to the research community. The continued maintenance and expansion of the services on this site compl