Photometric observations and modelling of the asteroid 85 Io in conjunction with data from an occultation event during the 1995–96 apparition

The asteroid 85 Io has been observed using CCD and photoelectric photometry on 18 nights during its 1995–96 and 1997 apparitions. We present the observed lightcurves, determined colour indices and modelling of the asteroid spin vector and shape. The colour indices (U-B = 0.35±0.02, B-V = 0.66±0.02, V-R = 0.34±0.02, R-I = 0.36±0.02) are as expected for a C-type asteroid. The allowed spin vector solutions have the pole co-ordinates λ₀ = 285±4°, β₀ = −52±9° or λ₀ = 108±10°, β₀ = −46±10° and λ₀ = 290±10°, β₀ = −16±10° with a retrograde sense of rotation and a sidereal period P_sid = 0^d.286463±0^d.000001. During the 1995–96 apparition the International Occultation Time Association (IOTA) observed an occultation event by 85 Io. The observations and modelling presented here were analysed together with the occultation data to develop improved constraints on the size of the asteroid. The derived value of 164 km is about 5% larger than the IRAS diameter. © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.     

On the possible binarity of asteroid 21 Lutetia from analysis of simultaneous BVR observations

We obtained ～1000 B, V, and R magnitude measurements for asteroid 21 Lutetia quasi-simultaneously with the digital TV system of a 0.5-m MTM-500 meniscus telescope from November 3 through November 11, 2004. We performed a frequency analysis of the B-V and V-R color indices and the V magnitudes based on data averaged over five measurements, which provided an accuracy of the mean color indices and magnitudes of ～0. ^m 005 and 0. ^m 08, respectively. Our analysis of the color indices showed the absence of the known period, 0.^d3405 (8.^h172), and the presence of several periods at a confidence level of 7–10 σ, including P ₀ = 2.^h93 (1/P = 8.17c/d) and its alias 2.^h64 (1/P = 9.17c/d). Our analysis of the V-band data revealed the periods P ₁ = 0.^d70 and P ₂ = 3.^d20; both periods yielded double-peaked light curves with amplitudes of 0. ^m 12 and 0. ^m 10. The first period is probably the rotation period of the main component, while the second period may be equal to the orbital period of the satellite with one side facing the main body. Another model of the asteroid is also possible: P ₀ = 2.^h93 is the rotation period of the main body, P ₁ = 0.^d70 is the orbital period of the synchronous satellite, and P ₂ = 3.^d20 is the precession period.     

Evidence of the complex structure of asteroid 21 Lutetia

We discuss the results of the analysis of three sets of observations of asteroid 21 Lutetia—spectrophotometry, simultaneous BVR photometry, and spectrometry—which show that the asteroid is not a monolithic body. The frequency analysis of the B-V and V-R color indices and the V values, which were obtained from simultaneous BVR measurements in 2004 and calculated from the spectrophotometric observations performed in 2000 (the synthetic values and the color indices), allowed us to demonstrate that the known rotation period of 8.^h172 of the asteroid does not exist at all. At a rather high confidence level, six new periods were found: 2.^h0, 2.^h93, 16.^h8, 1.^d25, 3.^d25, and 60^d. During spectral observations with a 1.25-m telescope at the southern laboratory of the Sternberg Astronomical Institute in Nauchnyi (Crimea) in 2004, the spectra of two components spaced 2.8″ apart were registered. In the short-wavelength spectral range, quick variations of the reflectance of the components were observed. They show the changes in their spectral types from S to C. The analysis of the synthetic values of the color indices determined from the spectrophotometric observations in 2000 confirmed the presence of quick spectral variations. We conclude that asteroid 21 Lutetia is a complex satellite system. This statement is confirmed by the analysis of data published in different sources.     

Lightcurves and the axis of rotation of 433 Eros

Ten lightcurves and UBV photometry of 433 Eros were obtained between August 1972 and May 1975. The absolute magnitude of the lightcurve maximum is 10.75 and the phase coefficient is 0.025 mag/deg. There may be a small difference in B-V color between the northern and southern hemispheres. The pole of the axis of rotation is directed toward λ₀ = 16°, β₀ = 12°, ecliptic longitude and latitude, respectively, and the rotation is direct with a sidereal period of 0.^d219599 or 5^h16^m13^s4 ± 0.^s2. The dimensions derived from the polarimetric albedo and the lightcurve amplitudes are 12km × 12km × 31km for a smooth cylinder with hemispherical ends.     

Photometric study of Centaur (60558) 2000 EC98 and trans-neptunian object (55637) 2002 UX25 at different phase angles

We present photometric observations of Centaur (60558) 2000 EC₉₈ and trans-neptunian object (55637) 2002 UX₂₅ at different phase angles and with different filters (mainly R but also V and B for some data). Results for 2000 EC₉₈ are: (i) a rotation period of 26.802±0.042 h if a double-peaked lightcurve is assumed, (ii) a lightcurve amplitude of 0.24±0.06 for the R band, (iii) a phase curve with H=9.03±0.01 and G=−0.39±0.08 (R filter) and H=9.55±0.04 and G=−0.50±0.35 (V filter) or a slope of (R filter) and 0.22±0.06 (V filter), (iv) the color indices B-V=0.76±0.15 and V-R=0.51±0.09 (for α=0.1-0.5°) and 0.55±0.08 (for α=1.4-1.5°). The rotation period is amongst the longest ever measured for Centaurs and TNOs. We also show that our photometry was not contaminated by any cometary activity down to magnitude ?27/arcsec². For 2002 UX₂₅ the results are: (i) a rotation period of 14.382±0.001 h or 16.782±0.003 h (if a double-peaked lightcurve is assumed) (ii) a lightcurve amplitude of 0.21±0.06 for the R band (and the 16.782 h period), (iii) a phase curve with H=3.32±0.01 and G=+0.16±0.18 or a slope of (R filter), (iv) the color indices B-V=1.12±0.26 and V-R=0.61±0.12. The phase curve reveals also a possible very narrow and bright opposition surge. Because such a narrow surge appears only for one point it needs to be confirmed.     

The slow rotation of 253 Mathilde

CCD photometry of the NEAR mission fly-by target 253 Mathilde is presented. Measurements taken during 52 nights of observations, from February to June 1995, allow a rotation period of 17.406±0.010 days and a lightcurve amplitude of 0.45±0.02 mag to be determined. A B-V color index of 0.67±0.02 and a V-R of 0.35±0.02 are measured, which are compatible with C-type membership. The determination of the phase relation results in H = 10.28±0.03 and G = 0.12±0.06. Indications that the lightcurve is not strictly singly-periodic are found. A power-spectrum analysis detects a secondary frequency f₂ = 0.0322±0.0010 d⁻¹, which is interpreted as evidence for a complex rotation state.     

UBV photometry of asteroid 433 Eros

UBV observations of asteroid 433 Eros were conducted on 17 nights during the winter of 1974/75. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the lightcurve varied from about 0.3 mag to nearly 1.4mmag. The absolute V mag at maximum light, extrapolated to zero phase, is 10.85. Phase coefficients of 0.0233 mag/degree, 0.0009 mag/degree and 0.0004 mag/degree were derived for V, B-V, and U-B, respectively. The zero-phase color of Eros (B?V = 0.88, U?B = 0.50) is representative of an S (silicaceous) compositional type asteroid. The color does not vary with rotation. The photometric behavior of Eros can be modeled by a cylinder with rounded ends having an axial ratio of about 2.3:1. The asteroid is rotating about a short axis with the north pole at λ₀ = 15° and β₀ = 9°.     

Lightcurves and phase relation of asteroid 324 Bamberga

A worldwide photometric investigation of the asteroid 324 Bamberga was conducted during the period September–November 1978. The full-cycle lightcurve shows two maxima and two minima with a maximum amplitude of 0.075 mag; the rotation period was found to be P_syn = 29.^h42 ± 0.^h01. A linear least-squares solution of the phase relation gives β_y = (0.334 ± 0.001) mag/degree and V₀ (1, 0) = (7.17 ± 0.01) mag. The color indices measured are B-V = 0.69, U-B=0.36, in agreement with the C taxonomic type given for 324 Bamberga. The very long period indicates 324 Bamberga is an unusual object among asteroids with diameters greater than 200 km.     

The rotational and physical properties of the Centaur (32532) 2001 PT13

We present observations of the Centaur (32532) 2001 PT₁₃ taken between September 2000 and December 2000. A multi-wavelength lightcurve was assembled from V-, R- and J-band photometry measurements. Analysis of the lightcurve indicates that there are two peaks of slightly different brightness, a rotation period of 0.34741±0.00005 day, and a maximum photometric range of 0.18 mag. We obtained VRJHK colors (V-R=0.50±0.01, V-J=1.69±0.02, V-H=2.19±0.04, and V-K=2.30±0.04) that are consistent with the grey KBO/Centaur population. The V-R color shows no variation as a function of rotational phase; however, we cannot exclude the possibility that rotational variations are present in the R-J color. Assuming a 4% albedo, we estimate that 2001 PT₁₃ has an effective diameter of 90 km and a minimum axial ratio a/b of 1.18. We find no evidence of a coma and place an upper limit of 15 g s⁻¹ on the dust production rate.     

CCD photometry of 6 near-Earth asteroids

Photometric observations of 11 near-Earth asteroids were made within a regular NEA CCD photometric programme at Ondejov Observatory in the first half of 1994. This paper shows obtained R lightcurves, V-R, R-I, and B-V color indices, and rotation preriods for 6 of them. Among the presented results, the most interesting are those for (4954) Eric, for which we obtained several high-quality lightcurves and which seems to indicate a surface heterogeneity, (1864) Daedalus, for which interesting comparison with older observations by Gehrelset al. (1971) can be made, and 1993 VW, for which the unusual color characteristics were observed. Two (1994 AW₁ and 1994 GY) of the other three observed objects have fast rotations with periods of about 2.5 hours and relatively low amplitudes. Subsequent analysis of additional lightcurve data for 1994 AW₁ has revealed a presence of two periods in its lightcurve (Pravecet al. 1995). The last object presented here is 1994 JF₁, for which only lower limits on period and amplitude were determined.     

The lightcurve and phase relation of the asteroid 133 Cyrene

The asteroid 133 Cyrene was observed photometrically on 17 nights during oppositions in 1979 and 1980. The synodic period of rotation was found to be 12.^h708 ± 0.^h001 with an amplitude of ～0.^m30 during both oppositions. At large phase angles, the phase relation is quite ordinary (β_v ≈ 0.025 mag/degree); however, the low phase angle observations reveal a dramatic opposition brightening, ～0.2 mag/degree near zero phase angle. The absolute magnitude, V(1,0), extrapolated with the above linear phase coefficient, is 8.40. The following color indicates were also measured: B- V = 0.90, U-B = 0.51.     

The Surface Structure of the M-Type Asteroid 21 Lutetia: Spectral and Frequency Analysis

A preliminary study of the surface of the asteroid 21 Lutetia with ground-based methods is of significant importance, because this object is included into the Rosetta space mission schedule. From August 31 to November 20, 2000, about 50 spectra of Lutetia and the same number of spectra of the solar analog HD10307 (G2V) and regional standards were obtained with a resolution of 4 and 3 nm at the MTM-500 telescope television system of the Crimean astrophysical observatory. From these data, the synthetic magnitudes of the asteroid in the BRV color system have been obtained, the reflected light fluxes have been determined in absolute units, and its reflectance spectra have been calculated for a range of 370–740 nm. In addition, from the asteroid reflectance spectra obtained at different rotation phases, the values of the equivalent width of the most intensive absorption band centered at 430–440 nm and attributed to hydrosilicates of the serpentine type have been calculated. A frequency analysis of the values V(1, 0) confirmed the rotation period of Lutetia 0.^d3405 (8.^h172) and showed a two-humped light curve with a maximal amplitude of 0.^m25. The color indices B-V and V-R showed no noticeable variations with this period. A frequency analysis of the equivalent widths of the absorption band of hydrosilicates near 430–440 nm points to the presence of many significant frequencies, mainly from 15 to 20 c/d (c/d is the number of cycles per day), which can be caused by a heterogeneous distribution of hydrated material on the surface of Lutetia. The sizes of these heterogeneities (or spots) on the asteroid surface have been estimated at 3–5 to 70 km with the most frequent value between 30 and 40 km.     

Photoelectric lightcurves of asteroids 42 Isis, 45 Eugenia, 56 Melete, 103 Hera, 532 Herculina,and 558 Carmen

Photoelectric observations of six asteroids are presented. The following synodic periods of rotation and amplitudes of variation are reported: 42 Isis, P = 13^h.59, Δm = 0.32; 45 Eugenia, P = 5^h.70, Δm = 0.30; 56 Melete, P = 13^h.7 or 19^h.0, Δm = 0.06; 532 Herculina, P = 9^h.408, Δm = 0.15; 558 Carmen, P ≈ 10^h, Δm ≈ 0.25. The asteroid 103 Hera exhibited no periodic variation in excess of about 0.03 magnitude. The period found for 532 Herculina is one half that previously reported by other observers.     

Photometric and Colorimetric Observations of Asteroid 423 Diotima and Their Analysis

Series of photometric and colorimetric observations of the Main-Belt asteroid 423 Diotima during its five oppositions were obtained at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory. It was concluded, based on the results of a frequency analysis of the V-band photometry obtained in 1990, that the asteroid is a binary system: the rotation period of the primary component is equal to 4_. ^h56, and the period of rotation and the orbital period of the satellite are equal to 14_. ^h90. An analysis of simultaneous BV and BVR observations made in 1993 and 1998–1999 yielded a rotation period of 4_. ^h54 ± 0_. ^h01 for the primary component. An analysis of the sets of V-band observations of the asteroid made from 1982 through 2000 allowed us to find the period of forced precession, which was equal to 113^d (or 226^d). It was suggested that the axis of the primary component of the binary asteroid precesses and the large amplitude of brightness variations (about 1 ^m ) is due to its lenticular shape.     

Pole orientation of asteroid 44 Nysa via photometric astrometry,including a discussion of the method's application and its limitations

The results of photometric astrometry, a method of determining the orientation of a rotation axis, as applied to asteroid 44 Nysa are presented. The pole orientation of Nysa was found to be λ₀ = 100°, β₀ = +60° with an uncertainty of 10°. The sidereal period is 0^d.26755902 ± 0.00000006, and the rotation prograde. Refinements to, and limitations of, the application of the method of photometric astrometry are discussed. In light of the results presented herein, we believe that all photometric astrometry pole determinations of the past should be redone.     

Five-color photoelectric photometry of asteroid 433 Eros

Five-color photoelectric lightcurves of asteroid 433 Eros were obtained on 9 nights during the 1974/75 apparition. Although color differences due to changing solar phase angle were detected, color differences during a single rotation of Eros are less than 1%. Amplitudes of up to 1^m.44 were measured, and there are indications that three reversals in the relative depths of the two minima occured between late December 1974 and late January 1975. The absolute visual magnitude at primary maximum, corrected to zero phase and to one AU from Earth and Sun, is about V₀(1,0) = 10^m.8.     

UBV photometry of Vesta

A lightcurve of Vesta, obtained on four nights between June 23 and 30 June 1978 during the coordinated campaign for the determination of the rotation period, is presented. The observations were performed at the 91-cm telescope of the Catania Observatory employing UBV filters and a photon counting photometer. The V lightcurve apparently shows a single maximum, suggesting that the 5^h20^m29^s.2 period is the correct one. Features are evident near the maximum and the minimum closely resembling those of Johnson's lightcurve of 22 December 1950 and Taylor's of January 21, 1973. The amplitude in V light is 0^m.105 and small variations are also found in the color indices. The largest color variation is for the U-V with Δm = 0.^m.05, which is slightly larger than the value 0^m.02 found by T. Gehrels [Astron. J.72, 929 (1967)]. The maximum and minimum values occur at the same phase with respect to the maximum V light as found by Gehrels, i.e., Vesta appears bluer near 0^p.25 and redder near 0^p.7. Corrections with the solar phase angle were made using the coefficients given by Gehrels for the B-V and U-V while a new value of 0.036 mag/deg was assumed for the V observations. The available amplitudes of Vesta's lightcurve were analyzed with respect to the longitude position and the solar phase angle.     

BVR broadband photometry of comets 1P/Halley and 4P/Faye

We analyzed the visible broadband photometric data of comets 1P/Halley and 4P/Faye, obtained during their perihelion passages of 1986 and 1991, respectively at the Sanglokh Observatory (Tajikistan) and the European Southern Observatory (Chile). Applying the Lomb-Scargle periodogram in the V-band magnitudes and B-V color index, we find that the most probable periodicities are 79 ± 6 and 7.36 ± 0.04 days for 1P, and 6.1 ± 0.3 days for 4P. After comparing results of color and magnitude periodograms, we argue there is a systematic difference in the number of signals identified and the level of confidence of the same periodicity in the periodograms. Our results suggest the quest for periodicities in the color of the coma of active comets should be complementary to ones in magnitudes. We have verified that the distribution of the color B-V of Faye’s coma was invariable during and after the possible occurrence of a post-perihelion outburst. We verify a symmetry in the pre- and post-perihelion H₀ photoelectric absolute magnitude of the comet Halley. The same issues were not observed in the B-V color index. We verify that the absolute magnitude H₀ of the comet Halley differs from each other when calculated from the visual or photoelectric magnitudes, due to the section of the coma used to estimate these magnitudes. We also verified that this difference in the photometric aperture can compromise comparisons of B-V color distributions between active comets.     

The rotation,color, phase coefficient,and diameter of 1915 quetzalcoatl

Photoelectric observations of 1915 Quetzalcoatl on March 2, 1981 show that this asteroid has a rotational period of 4.9 ± 0.3 hr and a lightcurve amplitude of 0.26 magnitudes. B-V and U-B colors are found to be 0.83 ± 0.04 and 0.43 ± 0.03, respectively, consistent with Quetzalcoatl being an S-type asteroid. Additional observations from March 31, 1981 give a linear phase coefficient of 0.033 mag deg^?1 and a mean B(1,0) magnitude of 20.10. The resulting estimated mean diameter for Quetzalcoatl is only 0.37 km, making it one of the smallest asteroids for which physical observations have yet been made.     

Worldwide photometry and lightcurve observations of 16 Psyche during the 1975–1976 apparition

We present 26 lightcurves of 16 Psyche from 1975 and 1976. The synodic period during this apparition was 4^h.1958. Combining photometric data from this opposition with those from previous apparitions allowed us to derive a mean phase coefficient in V of 0.026 ± 0.002 mag/deg and to establish that Psyche's absolute V₀ magnitude and rotational amplitude vary with aspect; at 90° aspect, V₀(1, 0) = 6.27 ± 0.05 and the lightcurve amplitude is 0.30 mag, while at 0° or 180° aspect, V₀(1, 0) = 6.02 ± 0.02 and the amplitude is ?0.03 mag. This behavior is accounted for if, to first order, Psyche's shape is that of a triaxial ellipsoid with axial ratios near 5:4:3. Colors at zero phase are U-B = 0.26 ± 0.01 and B-V = 0.71 ± 0.01. Color phase coefficients are <0.001 mag/deg in U-B and 0.0010 ± 0.0004 mag/deg in B-V.