Light Curve Analysis of Asteroid 22 Kalliope

Abstract

Using the Plaskett telescope in Victoria, British Columbia, the asteroid 22 Kalliope was observed over a 5-hour period to create a light curve. A rudimentary analysis was done by matching two points on the curve with the same apparent magnitude to determine where the pattern repeats. The period obtained was 4.18± 0.04 hours. Although this value deviates from the value measured in [1], their measurement of 4.148199± 0.000001 hours is still within the margin of error of this observation. This discrepancy is likely the result of a less sophisticated analysis, as well as a less accurate and frequent sampling of the curve. A way to improve accuracy would be to take multiple light curves, then obtain an average curve which will be more representative of the long-term behavior of 22 Kalliope. Alternatively, the light curve inversion method outlined by [2] could also be used in tandem with long term observations to improve the accuracy of the result.