Photometry of near earth asteroid Florence (3122)

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this work is investigation of asteroid period of own rotation in moment of its close approach to Earth. Increased brightness of the object create an opportunity to find hidden new aspects of asteroid surface based on higher signal noise ratio and better precision of photometry. Methods . In this work we use methods of CCD photometry. Observations were made on two telescopes with diameter 40 and 35 cm at different observatories. Results. Photometry of near Earth asteroid Florence (3122) is performed during two nights in August and two nights in September 2017 from observatories in west of Ukraine — Laboratory of space research of Uzhhorod National University and amateur observatory in Ternopil. Brief overview of Florence period determination by other authors is given. Light curves obtained from observation data are presented. Periods of asteroid rotation were defined by MPO Canopus software. Conclusions. Determined periods of rotation confirm previously published values. Presented period precisions are better than published before. Two different periods obtained on two observation sessions. Reasons of these results are described. No hidden aspects of asteroid surface were identified because of too fast phase angle change, also two light curves is not enough for such task salvation.