1 research outputs found
Optical observations of NEA 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) during the 2017 apparition
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. 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. Using eight 1-2-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. We analysed the optical lightcurve of Phaethon and derived a
synodic and a sidereal rotational period of 3.6039 h, with an axis ratio of a/b
= 1.07. The ecliptic longitude (lambda) and latitude (beta) 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.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figures, 1 figure in Appendix A. Accepted for publication
in Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A