CASTRO ANNOUNCES $458K FOR SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE SPACE PROJECT
San Antonio, TX – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) announced a three-year $458,821.00 federal grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). The NSF funding will support SwRI’s "Occultations by Pluto, Triton and Large Trans-Neptunian Objects" project, the findings of which will aid in the development of more accurate atmospheric models for the subjects of the study.
“From developing microsatellites that improve our understanding of hurricanes and cyclones, to playing a critical role in the thrilling Juno mission to Jupiter, Southwest Research Institute is on the cutting edge of earth and space research,” said Rep. Castro. “SwRI’s work beyond the bounds of our planet broadens our understanding of both the wider solar system and life here on earth. With this National Science Foundation funding, SwRI can embark on new, promising space research that further highlights San Antonio’s leadership in the field.”
Occulations happen from time to time when solar system objects pass in front of bright stars, cutting out the starlight. The amount of light that is cut coupled with the amount of time during these passages provides researchers with information about the object’s size, shape, and atmosphere. Two occultations by Pluto will be observed over the next three years to record changes in the thickness of Pluto's atmosphere. These changes will be modeled with previously obtained data to describe how Pluto's atmosphere changes. Other large trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) covered with bright ice could also have changing atmospheres like Pluto. Observations of one occultation are planned for each of the other TNOs included in the project. Many amateur astronomers and students will be trained to be part of the occultation observations.
“We’re grateful to receive this grant award from the NSF that will allow us to collect the data necessary to build accurate atmospheric models of the solar system’s large Trans-Neptunian Objects and to better understand their environments,” said Dr. Jim Burch, vice president of the SwRI Space Science and Engineering Division. “We’re especially pleased that amateur astronomers and student researchers get the opportunity to contribute to this important project.”
The National Science Foundation supports research, innovation, and discovery that provides the foundation for economic growth in the United States.
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