scholarly journals Detection of the YORP Effect on the contact-binary (68346) 2001 KZ66 from combined radar and optical observations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarik J Zegmott ◽  
S C Lowry ◽  
A Rożek ◽  
B Rozitis ◽  
M C Nolan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamical Evolution ◽  
Optical Observations ◽  
Stable Configuration ◽  
Shape Model ◽  
Radar Observations ◽  
Rotational Evolution ◽  
Yorp Effect ◽  
Contact Binary ◽  
Arecibo Observatory ◽  
Near Earth Asteroids

Abstract The YORP effect is a small thermal-radiation torque experienced by small asteroids, and is considered to be crucial in their physical and dynamical evolution. It is important to understand this effect by providing measurements of YORP for a range of asteroid types to facilitate the development of a theoretical framework. We are conducting a long-term observational study on a selection of near-Earth asteroids to support this. We focus here on (68346) 2001 KZ66, for which we obtained both optical and radar observations spanning a decade. This allowed us to perform a comprehensive analysis of the asteroid’s rotational evolution. Furthermore, radar observations from the Arecibo Observatory enabled us to generate a detailed shape model. We determined that (68346) is a retrograde rotator with its pole near the southern ecliptic pole, within a 15○ radius of longitude 170○ and latitude −85○. By combining our radar-derived shape model with the optical light curves we developed a refined solution to fit all available data, which required a YORP strength of $(8.43\pm 0.69)\times 10^{-8} \rm ~rad ~day^{-2}$. (68346) has a distinct bifurcated shape comprising a large ellipsoidal component joined by a sharp neckline to a smaller non-ellipsoidal component. This object likely formed from either the gentle merging of a binary system, or from the deformation of a rubble pile due to YORP spin-up. The shape exists in a stable configuration close to its minimum in topographic variation, where regolith is unlikely to migrate from areas of higher potential.

scholarly journals Shape model and spin-state analysis of PHA contact binary (85990) 1999 JV6 from combined radar and optical observations

2019 ◽  
Vol 631 ◽  
pp. A149
Author(s):  
A. Rożek ◽  
S. C. Lowry ◽  
M. C. Nolan ◽  
P. A. Taylor ◽  
L. A. M. Benner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Model ◽  
Spin State ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Optical Observations ◽  
Shape Model ◽  
Optical Photometry ◽  
Binary Asteroid ◽  
Radar Images ◽  
Yorp Effect ◽  
Contact Binary

Context. The potentially hazardous asteroid (85990) 1999 JV6 has been a target of previously published thermal-infrared observations and optical photometry. It has been identified as a promising candidate for possible Yarkovsky-O’Keefe-Radzievskii-Paddack (YORP) effect detection. Aims. The YORP effect is a small thermal-radiation torque considered to be a key factor in spin-state evolution of small Solar System bodies. In order to detect YORP on 1999 JV6 we developed a detailed shape model and analysed the spin-state using both optical and radar observations. Methods. For 1999 JV6, we collected optical photometry between 2007 and 2016. Additionally, we obtained radar echo-power spectra and imaging observations with Arecibo and Goldstone planetary radar facilities in 2015, 2016, and 2017. We combined our data with published optical photometry to develop a robust physical model. Results. We determine that the rotation pole resides at negative latitudes in an area with a 5° radius close to the south ecliptic pole. The refined sidereal rotation period is 6.536787 ± 0.000007 h. The radar images are best reproduced with a bilobed shape model. Both lobes of 1999 JV6 can be represented as oblate ellipsoids with a smaller, more spherical component resting at the end of a larger, more elongated component. While contact binaries appear to be abundant in the near-Earth population, there are only a few published shape models for asteroids in this particular configuration. By combining the radar-derived shape model with optical light curves we determine a constant-period solution that fits all available data well. Using light-curve data alone we determine an upper limit for YORP of 8.5 × 10−8 rad day−2. Conclusions. The bifurcated shape of 1999 JV6 might be a result of two ellipsoidal components gently merging with each other, or a deformation of a rubble pile with a weak-tensile-strength core due to spin-up. The physical model of 1999 JV6 presented here will enable future studies of contact binary asteroid formation and evolution.

Arecibo Science Highlights of Observatory Planetary Radar Observations: 2019-2020

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luisa Zambrano-Marin ◽  
Anne Virkki ◽  
Sean Marshall ◽  
Flavianne Venditti ◽  
Dylan Hickson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circular Polarization ◽  
Phase Modulation ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Radar System ◽  
Doppler Spectrum ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Radar Observations ◽  
Contact Binary ◽  
Apparent Diameter ◽  
Arecibo Observatory

<p>We present a summary of the radar experiments performed with the Arecibo Observatory Planetary Radar system during 2019-2020.  Located in Puerto Rico (18° 20' 36.6" N, 66° 45' 11.1" W) the Arecibo Observatory S-band (2380 MHz) radar system is capable of transmitting up to 1MW of power and uses the William E Gordon Telescope antenna of 305 m. The planetary radar science group focuses on performing follow-up (post discovery) observations of  known small bodies as well as recently discovered ones. Priority is given to objects on the CNEOS Sentry impact risk list, those classified as Potentially Hazardous (PHA’s) and those that are potential spacecraft mission targets (NHATS). Although currently operating at 35% power capacity, Arecibo has observed 92 objects since September 2019 to abstract submission date, distributed as: 61  recently discovered objects, 28 PHA’s, 2 planets and 1 comet. We present here some science highlights of  this year's observations of near-Earth objects (NEOs), including radar delay-Doppler images of 2020BX12, 2011WN15, 481394 (2006 SF6) and 162082 (1998HL1).</p> <p><strong>Introduction</strong><br />The Arecibo Observatory is the largest and most powerful planetary radar system in the world, successfully observing  up to 130 asteroids a year. Funded by the NASA-NEO Observations program, the ground-based observations done using the S-band (2380 MHz, 12.6 cm) radar systems are a highly cost effective and rapid tool to constrain physical and dynamical properties of the targets in comparison to space missions. This Instrument has the capability of transmitting a signal with or without  phase modulation, providing extremely accurate astrometry measurements (range and radial velocity) on newly discovered objects, and track changes in the orbit of previously observed ones, such as those due to non-gravitational perturbations. Besides orbital characterization, radar data provides constraints on the object's size and rotation rate, is responsible for the discovery of satellites [1,2]  and for some cases can identify the shape and near-surface (meter-scale) structures up to a few wavelengths deep. </p> <p><strong>Methods</strong><br />The S-band system transmits a circularly polarized wave, and receives both the same-sense circular (SC) and opposite-sense circular polarization (OC) as transmitted. Radar observations usually start by a continuous-wave measurement to obtain the Doppler frequency spectrum of the echo. The measured Doppler spectrum bandwidth provides initial limits for rotation period and the object’s apparent diameter. From the measured received backscattered power in these two orthogonal states of polarization, it's possible to calculate the target's circular polarization ratio. Defined as the ratio of the SC and OC echo and commonly used as an indicator of the surface reflection properties. For targets with a relatively high signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) we use phase modulation to produce delay-Doppler images, with range resolution as fine as 7.5 m per pixel in some cases. These images aid in the estimation of objects' diameter and provide an idea of the body's shape.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong><br />Some highlights of our observations include: 162082 (1998 HL1) observed on October 25-28, 2019 with a delay-Doppler resolution of 75 m/px, its apparent diameter is estimated at 270 m, and its rotation period at approximately 11 hrs. Contact binary 481394 (2006SF6) was observed on November 11-15, 2019, with a delay-Doppler resolution of 7.5 m/px showing a maximum visible extent of 240 m. The rotation period is estimated to be 11.3 hrs and  it was observed at various orientations. 2011 WN15 was observed on December 12-13, 2019, with a delay-Doppler resolution of 7.5 m/px providing an estimate on diameter of 900 m, and a rotation period of up to 4 hours. 2020 BX12 observation on February 4-5, 2020, led to the discovery of a secondary body, images with delay-Doppler resolution of 7.5 m/px, showed a diameter of 165 m for the primary and no more than 70 m for the secondary. The apparent rotation period for the primary is about 2.8 hrs and 49 hrs or less for the secondary.</p> <p><strong>Acknowledgements:</strong><br />The Arecibo Planetary Radar Program is fully supported by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program in NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office through grant no. 80NSSC19K0523 awarded to University of Central Florida (UCF). UCF manages the National Science Foundation facility under a cooperative agreement with Yang Enterprises, Inc. and Universidad Ana G. Méndez.</p> <p><strong>References</strong><br />[1] Benner, L.A., Nolan, M.C., Margot, J., Brozovic, M., Ostro, S.J., Shepard, M.K., Magri, C., Giorgini, J.D. and Busch, M.W., 2008, September. Arecibo and Goldstone radar imaging of contact binary near-Earth asteroids. In DPS (pp. 25-03).<br />[2] Rivera-Valentin, E.G., Taylor, P.A., Virkki, A. and Aponte-Hernandez, B., 2017. (163693) Atira. CBET, 4347, p.1.</p>

Statistical results on discovered near-Earth asteroids

1999 ◽  
Vol 173 ◽  
pp. 81-86
Author(s):  
S. Berinde
Keyword(s):  
Dynamical Evolution ◽  
Minor Planet ◽  
Orbital Elements ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Near Earth Asteroids ◽  
Statistical Results

AbstractThe first part of this paper gives a recent overview (until July 1st, 1998) of the Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) database stored at Minor Planet Center. Some statistical interpretations point out strong observational biases in the population of discovered NEAs, due to the preferential discoveries, depending on the objects’ distances and sizes. It is known that many newly discovered NEAs have no accurately determinated orbits because of the lack of observations. Consequently, it is hard to speak about future encounters and collisions with the Earth in terms of mutual distances between bodies. Because the dynamical evolution of asteroids’ orbits is less sensitive to the improvement of their orbital elements, we introduced a new subclass of NEAs named Earth-encounter asteroids in order to describe more reliably the potentially dangerous bodies as impactors with the Earth. So, we pay attention at those asteroids having an encounter between their orbits and that of the Earth within 100 years, trying to classify these encounters.

scholarly journals Survey of electron density changes in the daytime ionosphere over the Arecibo observatory due to lightning and solar flares

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitano L. da Silva ◽  
Sophia D. Salazar ◽  
Christiano G. M. Brum ◽  
Pedrina Terra
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
Solar Flares ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Lower Ionosphere ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Optical Observations ◽  
Radio Waves ◽  
D Region ◽  
E Region ◽  
Arecibo Observatory

AbstractOptical observations of transient luminous events and remote-sensing of the lower ionosphere with low-frequency radio waves have demonstrated that thunderstorms and lightning can have substantial impacts in the nighttime ionospheric D region. However, it remains a challenge to quantify such effects in the daytime lower ionosphere. The wealth of electron density data acquired over the years by the Arecibo Observatory incoherent scatter radar (ISR) with high vertical spatial resolution (300-m in the present study), combined with its tropical location in a region of high lightning activity, indicate a potentially transformative pathway to address this issue. Through a systematic survey, we show that daytime sudden electron density changes registered by Arecibo’s ISR during thunderstorm times are on average different than the ones happening during fair weather conditions (driven by other external factors). These changes typically correspond to electron density depletions in the D and E region. The survey also shows that these disturbances are different than the ones associated with solar flares, which tend to have longer duration and most often correspond to an increase in the local electron density content.

scholarly journals Optical observations of NEA 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) during the 2017 apparition

2018 ◽  
Vol 619 ◽  
pp. A123 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.-J. Kim ◽  
H.-J. Lee ◽  
S.-M. Lee ◽  
D.-H. Kim ◽  
F. Yoshida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Observations ◽  
Inversion Method ◽  
Observation Data ◽  
Convex Model ◽  
Convex Shape ◽  
Axis Ratio ◽  
Shape Model ◽  
Spin Properties ◽  
Pole Orientation ◽  
Ecliptic Longitude

Context. The near-Earth asteroid 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) is an attractive object not only from a scientific viewpoint but also because of JAXA’s DESTINY+ target. The rotational lightcurve and spin properties were investigated based on the data obtained in the ground-based observation campaign of Phaethon. Aims. We aim to refine the lightcurves and shape model of Phaethon using all available lightcurve datasets obtained via optical observation, as well as our time-series observation data from the 2017 apparition. Methods. Using eight 12-m telescopes and an optical imager, we acquired the optical lightcurves and derived the spin parameters of Phaethon. We applied the lightcurve inversion method and SAGE algorithm to deduce the convex and non-convex shape model and pole orientations. Results. We analysed the optical lightcurve of Phaethon and derived a synodic and a sidereal rotational periods of 3.6039 h, with an axis ratio of a∕b = 1.07. The ecliptic longitude (λp) and latitude (βp) of the pole orientation were determined as (308°, −52°) and (322°, −40°) via two independent methods. A non-convex model from the SAGE method, which exhibits a concavity feature, is also presented.

Ultraviolet and Optical Observations of the Mass-Losing Contact Binary SV Centauri

1981 ◽  
pp. 487-489
Author(s):  
H. Drechsel ◽  
H. D. Radecke ◽  
J. Rahe ◽  
G. Rupprecht ◽  
W. Wargau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Observations ◽  
Contact Binary

scholarly journals Post-rendezvous radar properties of comet 67P/CG from the Rosetta Mission: understanding future Earth-based radar observations and the dynamical evolution of comets

2019 ◽  
Vol 489 (2) ◽  
pp. 1667-1683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Essam Heggy ◽  
Elizabeth M Palmer ◽  
Alain Hérique ◽  
Wlodek Kofman ◽  
M Ramy El-Maarry
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Dynamical Evolution ◽  
Textural Properties ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Cometary Nucleus ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Bodies ◽  
Radar Observations ◽  
Comet 67P

ABSTRACT Radar observations provide crucial insights into the formation and dynamical evolution of comets. This ability is constrained by our knowledge of the dielectric and textural properties of these small-bodies. Using several observations by Rosetta as well as results from the Earth-based Arecibo radio telescope, we provide an updated and comprehensive dielectric and roughness description of Comet 67P/CG, which can provide new constraints on the radar properties of other nuclei. Furthermore, contrary to previous assumptions of cometary surfaces being dielectrically homogeneous and smooth, we find that cometary surfaces are dielectrically heterogeneous ( εr′≈1.6–3.2), and are rough at X- and S-band frequencies, which are widely used in characterization of small-bodies. We also investigate the lack of signal broadening in CONSERT observations through the comet head. Our results suggest that primordial building blocks in the subsurface are either absent, smaller than the radar wavelength, or have a weak dielectric contrast (Δ εr′). To constrain this ambiguity, we use optical albedo measurements by the OSIRIS camera of the freshly exposed subsurface after the Aswan cliff collapse. We find that the hypothetical subsurface blocks should have |Δ εr′|≳0.15, setting an upper limit of ∼ 1 m on the size of 67P/CG's primordial building blocks if they exist. Our analysis is consistent with a purely thermal origin for the ∼ 3 m surface bumps on pit walls and cliff-faces, hypothesized to be high-centred polygons formed from fracturing of the sintered shallow ice-bearing subsurface due to seasonal thermal expansion and contraction. Potential changes in 67P/CG's radar reflectivity at these at X- and S-bands can be associated with large-scale structural changes of the nucleus rather than small-scale textural ones. Monitoring changes in 67P/CG's radar properties during repeated close-approaches via Earth-based observations can constrain the dynamical evolution of its cometary nucleus.

scholarly journals Radar observations and shape model of asteroid 16 Psyche

Icarus ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 281 ◽  
pp. 388-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael K. Shepard ◽  
James Richardson ◽  
Patrick A. Taylor ◽  
Linda A. Rodriguez-Ford ◽  
Al Conrad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shape Model ◽  
Radar Observations

scholarly journals Influence of the YORP effect on rotation rates of near-Earth asteroids

2013 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitrij Lupishko ◽  
Iryna Tielieusova
Keyword(s):  
Rotation Rates ◽  
Yorp Effect ◽  
Near Earth Asteroids

Radar observations and a physical model of contact binary Asteroid 4486 Mithra

Icarus ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 208 (1) ◽  
pp. 207-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Brozovic ◽  
Lance A.M. Benner ◽  
Christopher Magri ◽  
Steven J. Ostro ◽  
Daniel J. Scheeres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Model ◽  
Radar Observations ◽  
Binary Asteroid ◽  
Contact Binary
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