Lecturer: Josh Emery, University of Tennessee
As the Lawrence A. Taylor Associate Professor of Planetary Science at UT, my research is focused around discovering how the Solar System formed and evolved to its present state through physical characterization of asteroids, moons, and Kuiper Belt objects. As an observational planetary astronomer, I apply the techniques of reflection and emission spectroscopy and spectrophotometry of primitive and icy bodies in the near- (0.8 to 5.0 micron) and mid-infrared (5 to 50 micron) to address
these topics. The Jupiter Trojan asteroids have been a strong focus of my research because they are a key group for distinguishing several models of Solar System evolution and for understanding the prevalence of organic material. I also regularly observe Kuiper Belt objects, icy satellites, and other asteroid groups to understand the state of their surfaces as related to these topics. I am a Co-I on the OSIRIS-REx mission, where I lead the Thermal Analysis Working group. I am also a Co-I on the Lucy mission, which will provide our first close-up look at Trojan asteroids.
Topic: Thermal properties of NEAs
Recommended Readings:
Asteroid Thermophysical Modeling, in Asteroids IV
Thermal infrared observations and thermophysical characterization of OSIRIS-REx target asteroid (101955) Bennu (click here to download)
Global Regolith Thermophysical Properties of the Moon From the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment (click here to download)
Directional characteristics of thermal–infrared beaming from atmosphereless planetary surfaces – a new thermophysical model (click here to download)
Recorded talk: click to view