High Precision Astrometry of Minor Planets and Natural Satellites

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Astrometry is the study of the precise positions and movements of celestial bodies. Scientists and engineers at institutions such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory rely heavily on the high-precision astrometry of minor planets (asteroids) and natural satellites to assist in the navigation of space craft, and to help classify these solar system bodies. Measuring and constantly updating the exact position of these bodies allows for the determination of each object’s ephemeris. This data can then be used in the prediction of events known as occultations – when a distant object is hidden from sight by another object passing in between it and the observer. Through the observation of these events from different locations and angles, astronomers are able to determine the approximate shape and size of minor planets. This paper examines the astrometric techniques developed and used by scientists at JPL, and the ongoing research that is done to obtain the positions and movements of minor planets and natural satellites in our solar system. Through the application of these techniques, we spent the Summer of 2018 at JPL’s Table Mountain Observatory making astrometric observations which allowed us to obtain 519 positions of minor planets, which have been published by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center.