Project Grant 2205808

This $365,609 project grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Astronomical Sciences will fund research to improve the accuracy of sky position measurements for minor planets using data from the Legacy Survey of Space and Time. Conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the program aims to study gravitational forces in the solar system by precisely tracking the motions of thousands of Trojan asteroids and over 200,000 main belt asteroids over the three-year award period. Findings will help detect potential gravitational influences like Planet X and determine masses for approximately 10 Trojans and 150-250 main belt asteroids. The research also seeks to indirectly benefit astronomers by enhancing Legacy Survey measurement accuracy and involves young scientists from underrepresented groups in astrophysical research. Funded under the National Science Foundation's Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049), this award supports the agency's mission to strengthen the nation's scientific enterprise through advancing knowledge in mathematics and the physical sciences.