Date: Monday 15-May-2023
Time: 11:15-12:15
Location: ATL 1250
Speaker: Richard Wainscoat
Title: The discovery of `Oumuamua - an insider's perspective
Abstract: In October 2017, the Pan-STARRS1 telescope on Haleakala, Hawaii, discovered the first interstellar object. It moved rapidly away from Earth, and was only easy to observe for one lunation, producing a worldwide frenzy of observations, including telescopes on Maunakea. I will describe how we realized that this object had a hyperbolic orbit, and some of our early efforts to characterize it, and the challenges that we encountered. As `Oumuamua departed from the Sun, it accelerated slightly, showing non-gravitational motion. This small acceleration was evident in published astrometry, producing a difficult waiting period to publish this while we continued to observe `Oumuamua as it departed using HST. Most likely, the acceleration is caused by low-level cometary activity, probably involving larger grains. Prospects for discovery of more interstellar objects will also be discussed.
For further information contact PALS coordinators Quanzhi Ye at qye@umd.edu and Tad Komacek at tkomacek@umd.edu.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
