Abstract
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.
Highlights
The near-Earth asteroid (NEA) 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB; hereinafter referred to as Phaethon) is the target of the DESTINY+1 mission, which is an Epsilon-class programme, and is currently under Phase-A study by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)/ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science)
We present the 3D shape model of Phaethon based on the unique solution with a sidereal period of 3.603957 h and a pole χ2
The observation campaign for Phaethon was performed on the Asian and American continents owing to their favourable observation conditions at the end of 2017
Summary
The near-Earth asteroid (NEA) 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB; hereinafter referred to as Phaethon) is the target of the DESTINY+1 mission, which is an Epsilon-class programme, and is currently under Phase-A study by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)/ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science). Phaethon is classified as a member of the Apollo asteroidal group with a semi-major axis greater than that of the Earth. It is called as Mercury-crosser asteroid with the small perihelion distance of only 0.14 AU. It is categorised as a potentially hazardous asteroid; the Earth minimum. Phaethon is one of the most remarkable NEAs, because of its spectral type and because of its extraordinary connection with the Geminids meteor shower that occurs every mid-December (Gustafson 1989; Williams & Wu 1993; Jenniskens 2006, and references therein)
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