Job Position Description

The candidate will start the formation with the processing and reduction of astronomical images taken at several telescopes. The main point will be the analysis of images for the prediction of stellar occultation by trans-neptunian objects (TNOs).  The next step will be the observation of the events (the occultation) and the corresponding reduction and interpretation of the data. With one positive observation it is possible to determine a minimum size of the occulting body. With several positive occultations of the same event, the size and shape of the body can be determined. Then, the candidate will add to this data the interpretation of radiometric size determination of the body. This data came from space telescopes like Herschel, Akari and Spitzer. Combining both techniques, occultations and radiometric, a better understanding of the size and shape of the body is reached. If the mass is also determined, a mean density is obtained. In summary, the candidate will apply photometry and radiometric techniques to determine physical properties of TNOs.

Group Leader: René Duffard (duffard@iaa.es)

https://www.iaa.csic.es/research-lines/planets-and-minor-bodies