The purpose is to obtain and analyze high spatial resolution CCD coronagraphic images of extra-solar planetary material and solar system objects. These data will provide information on the distribution of planetary and proto-planetary material around nearby stars leading to a better understanding of the origin and evolution of the solar system

Terrile, Richard J.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

N 9,2
Planetary Optical and Infrared Imaging
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA 91109
Richard J. Terrile
-12849
Strategy
The purpose of this investigation is to obtain and analyze high spatial resolution CCD
coronagraphic images of extra-solar planetary material and s(_lar system objects. These data
will provide information on the distributi[m of planetary and proto-planetary material around
nearby stars leading to a better understanding of the origin and evolution of the solar system.
Tests of high efficiency coronagraph designs on ground-based telescopes will support the
Astrometric Imaging Telescope (AIT). Observations using a membrane mirror will test
imaging improvements possible by adaptively compensating for atmospheric seeing. Imaging
within our solar system will provide informati(m on the current cloud configurations on the
outer planets, search for new objects around the outer planets, and provide direct support for
Voyager, Galileo, and CRAF by imaging material around asteroids.
Progress and Accomplishments
Over the last year an analysis of multispectral and polarization imagcs of the disk of material
around the nearby star Beta Pictoris suggests that the material is very low albed() and similar
to dark outer solar system carbon rich material. This material is believed t(_ be associated
with the formation of planets and pr(wides a first look at a planetary system much younger
than our own. A coronagraphic search for other systems has already examined over 12()
nearby stars and an image processing data system has been set up to evaluate these data and
to establish limits for circumstellar material. Initial coronagraphic observations were taken
with a tilt-tip adaptive optics system as a precursor t(, a membrane mirror.
Projected Accomplishments
A survey of the nearby stars will be completed and data will be examined more deeply it)
provide limits on the probability of circumstcllar material ar_)und stars and to understand the
morphoh_gy of young planetary systems. Observati_ms made by combining a cor4magraph
with a membrane mirror adaptive optics system will alh)w more sensitive searches and
provide test data f[)r more advanced applicatitms of seeing compensation. Tests will be made
of components of a higher efficiency cor(magraph ()n gr(mnd-based telescopes using graded
occulting masks. Furthcr analysis of the Beta Picmris p()larizati_)n data as a function of coh)r
will be used t[) model the particle size distribution t)f dust in the disk. Cort)nagraphic
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imaging of the outer planets, asteroids and star forming regions will continue to provide
support for ongoing missions such as Voyager, Galileo, CRAF, Cassini and AIT.
Publications
1 paper and 6 abstracts published.
Richard J. Terrile:
Hansen, C. J., McEwen, A., Ingersoll, A. P. and Terrile, R. J. (1990) "Surface and Airborne
Evidence for Plumes and Winds on Triton." Science, 250, 421.
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Planetary optical and infrared imaging

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