CBET 1127 (8116) Jeanperrin

[higginsdj]

Hi all,

Just dropping a line to inform you that we've uncovered a new asteroid moon - this time around 8116 Jeanperrin. Thats #8 for me.

Anyone interested in this type of work; I'm hoping to present a paper at NACAA 2008 discussing the method of uncovering the binary nature of Minor Planets. Its the same technique as used for Extrasolar planets (same amplitude as well) but with the added problem that the parent is also variable ie try uncovering an extra solar planet orbiting a sun varying faster that a typical Eclipsing Binary Star.

Cheers

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Congratulations David! I'd love to know your secret........of getting clear skies long enough to do this type of work.

I've been investigating photometry and astrometry over the past couple of months as I would like to put my ST7 to some serious work (looking more at photometry atm). From what I've been reading, the results that amateur astronomers such as youself and your compatriots achieve, particularly in relation to the sensitivity and accuracy require, are nothing short of astounding for small aperture instruments. Who would have thought 10-15 years ago that backyard astronomers would be achieving photometric readings with accuracies exceeding 0.01 mag and better with off the shelf equimpment and software. I take my hat off to you and can only hope that I am able to achieve similar results eventually.

Would love to attend the presentation of your paper but it's a bit of a long jaunt.

Congrats again.

[higginsdj]

Hi Paul,

Thanks. Photometry sounds and looks daunting at first but it really is quite simple. Accuracy is really all about consistency - nothing more. Consistency comes with experience so the idea is start with 'easy' targets then when you are comfortable with those push until you find your systems limits.

The paper is currently with the Principal Investigating Scientist of the Binary survey for review. I know he has issues with it (due to it's 'simplicity' and the fact it may well not work with binaries where the moons are on a primarily eccentric orbit as opposed to circular orbits). I'll release/publish it publicly around the same time as NACAA.

Cheers

[Dennis]

That is excellent news indeed David – thanks for keeping us posted on the valuable work you really dedicated amateurs are doing, fantastic job!

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy (David)]

Wow thats great news David, and the fact you are presenting a paper at NACCA!! SO do you celebrate with a little plaque on the scope?

[higginsdj]

Thanks Guys,

Plaques.... The thought never crossed my mind. My 14" is still in pristine condition after 4 years of fulltime work and I think I'd rather leave it that way as I might one day be able to afford an upgrade....

Cheers

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

You mean you don't even have a knotch for each one etched into the mount?

[higginsdj]

Nope - the mount is a precision made Mitty Evolution 14 wedge - it's a work of art. I can't deface a work of art.......

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Well maybe the hand controller then, sorta like a gunslinger.