Dynamic study and observational of the asteroids of the main belt
Asteroids are regarded as the vestiges of our primitive solar system. The discovery of the first one 210 years ago has profoundly changed our perception of the universe. In this thesis, I investigate both dynamical and observational aspects of the Main Belt asteroid population. The introduction is devoted to the discovery of the first asteroid and the consequences that followed as well as explaining the importance of studying them. In discussing the topic of the dynamics of asteroids, I study the most appropriate reference plane, which was introduced by Laplace over two centuries ago as "the invariable". I discuss its characterisation, as well as the effect of the three largest minor-bodies, and the contribution of the planets upon its orientation. In the dynamical part I study the Main Belt Asteroid, as they are regarded as natural laboratories, where one can test theories and dynamical models. The first study focuses on examining the distributions of these populations in regards to osculatory orbital planes. In the second one I am interested in the study of dynamical families of asteroids, i.e. the remnants of a parent body after its break-up. In particular, I study the long-term evolution of the members of the Vesta family. By use of a Gauss-Radau integrator, I evaluate the diffusion of the Vesta family. The gravitational effects of all planets and the largest minor bodies, relativistic and non-gravitational Yarkowsky effects are included in the dynamics. Finally in the observational part, I dive into the reduction and analysis of observational data that was acquired by the 8.2m SUBARU telescope, within the framework of the SMBAS-III (Sub-km Main Belt Asteroid Survey). I present the two methods used for object detection: the classical, naked eye method and an automated one, and apply both of them to the data. Once the objects detected, I proceed to astrometric and photometric analysis, taxonomic classification as well as establishing light curves and periods of rotation. In conclusion, I demonstrate how this thesis has allowed me to explore different aspects of the Main Belt Asteroids.