Synodic Rotation Period Research Articles

Observations of nitric oxide in the Antarctic middle atmosphere during recurrent geomagnetic storms

AbstractWe report ground‐based measurements of the polar middle atmosphere made using a 230–250 GHz passive microwave radiometer deployed at Troll station (72°01′S 02°32′E, L shell of L = 4.8), Antarctica. Our observations show enhanced mesospheric nitric oxide (NO) volume mixing ratio (VMR) during a series of small recurrent geomagnetic storms in the 2008 austral winter, reaching 1.2 ppmv on day 200 (18 July). The Lomb normalized periodogram of the NO VMR time series averaged over 65‐80 km for days 130 to 220 of 2008 (9 May to 7 August) shows a peak exceeding the 95% confidence limit at 25.8 days, close to the synodic rotation period for low‐latitude solar coronal holes. The highest correlations between the radiometer NO VMR data and trapped and quasi‐trapped electron count rates for L = 3.5‐5.5 from the Polar Orbiting Environment Satellites 90° telescope are for the >30 keV (90e1) channel (rmax = 0.56, lag time of 5.1 days) and >100 keV (90e2) channel (rmax = 0.57, lag time of 4.4 days). Maximum correlation between NO VMR and the >700 keV (90P6) channel data is lower but lag times are close to zero. Superposed epoch analyses for the eight most significant geomagnetic storm periods and three Carrington rotations (2070‐2072) within the 90 day observation period indicate that significant NO abundance observed at 65‐80 km in the Antarctic mesosphere may be produced directly by >200 keV electron precipitation or originate from a source at higher altitudes, e.g., production by >30 keV electrons followed by downward transport.

Lightcurve, Color and Phase Function Photometry of the OSIRIS-REx Target Asteroid (101955) Bennu

The NASA OSIRIS-REx mission will retrieve a sample of the carbonaceous near-Earth Asteroid (101955) Bennu and return it to Earth in 2023. Photometry in the Eight Color Asteroid Survey (ECAS) filter system and Johnson–Cousins V and R filters were conducted during the two most recent apparitions in 2005/2006 and 2011/2012. Lightcurve observations over the nights of September 14–17, 2005 yielded a synodic rotation period of 4.2905±0.0065h, which is consistent with the results of Nolan et al. (2013). ECAS color measurements made during the same nights confirm the B-type classification of Clark et al. (Clark, B.E., Binzel, R.P., Howell, E.S., Cloutis, E.A., Ockert-Bell, M., Christensen, P., Barucci, M.A., DeMeo, F., Lauretta, D.S., Connolly, H., Soderberg, A., Hergenrother, C., Lim, L., Emery, J., Mueller, M. [2011]. Icarus 216, 462–475). A search for the 0.7μm hydration feature using the method of Vilas (Vilas, F. [1994]. Icarus 111, 456–467) did not reveal its presence. Photometry was obtained over a range of phase angles from 15° to 96° between 2005 and 2012. The resulting phase function slope of 0.040 magnitudes per degree is consistent with the phase slopes of other low albedo near-Earth asteroids (Belskaya, I.N., Shevchenko, V.G. [2000]. Icarus 147, 94–105).

Optical observations of NEA 162173 (1999 JU3) during the 2011-2012 apparition

Near-Earth asteroid 162173 (1999 JU3) is a potential target of two asteroid sample return missions, not only because of its accessibility but also because of the first C-type asteroid for exploration missions. The lightcurve-related physical properties of this object were investigated during the 2011-2012 apparition. We aim to confirm the physical parameters useful for JAXA's Hayabusa 2 mission, such as rotational period, absolute magnitude, and phase function. Our data complement previous studies that did not cover low phase angles. With optical imagers and 1-2 m class telescopes, we acquired the photometric data at different phase angles. We independently derived the rotational lightcurve and the phase curve of the asteroid. We have analyzed the lightcurve of 162173 (1999 JU3), and derived a synodic rotational period of 7.625 +/- 0.003 h, the axis ratio a/b = 1.12. The absolute magnitude H_R = 18.69 +/- 0.07 mag and the phase slope of G = -0.09 +/- 0.03 were also obtained based on the observations made during the 2011-2012 apparition.

Photometric lightcurve and rotation period of Himalia (Jupiter VI)

Due to their great distance from their primaries and rapid solar perturbations of their orbits, the outer irregular satellites of the giant planets are not in tidal rotational lock. They are generally thought to be asteroid-like bodies with irregular shapes and rotation periods much shorter than the orbital ones, whose rotational properties can be found by the methods used to study asteroids. We report here the results of two sets of independent photometric CCD observations overlapping in time that were obtained using 0.35- and 1.23-m telescopes. The combined data set yields for Himalia a unique synodic rotation period of 7.7819±0.0005h, with a lightcurve amplitude of 0.20±0.01 magnitudes. This determination corrects the erroneous period of ∼9.5h published by Degewij et al. (Degewij, J., Andersson, L.E., Zellner, B. [1980a]. Icarus 44, 520–540).

Spatial distribution of the N-S asymmetry of solar activity and its time variations

The 1943–2001 data on the brightness of the coronal green λ530.3 nm line are used to investigate the surface distribution of the north-south (N-S) asymmetry index A. Synoptic maps of the asymmetry index in 784 successive Carrington rotations have been constructed. The results are presented in the form of a movie that visualizes the time variation in the spatial distribution of the asymmetry. Examination of a series of synoptic maps shows that the time variation in the general distribution of the A index over the solar surface has a number of peculiar features. In particular, the latitude-longitude regions with the dominance of the green line brightness in one of the hemispheres are replaced by similar (in shape) regions with its dominance in the other hemisphere after 14–18 rotations-in other words, the map, as it were, turns into its negative. This may be a manifestation of the quasi-biennial oscillations in the N-S asymmetry. The synodic rotation period of the asymmetry “structures” has been determined. It has turned out to be equal to the period of the fast coronal rotation mode found previously from the large-scale brightness distribution of the coronal green line, i.e., this is 27 days on the equator and slightly more than 28 days at high latitudes. The N-S asymmetry and its characteristics should be taken into account when considering the dynamo mechanism.

Photometric observations of asteroid 4 Vesta by the OSIRIS cameras onboard the Rosetta spacecraft

Aims. We report on new observations of asteroid 4 Vesta obtained on 1 May 2010 with the optical system OSIRIS onboard the ESA Rosetta mission. One lightcurve was taken at a phase angle (52◦) larger than achievable from ground-based observations together with a spectrophotometric sequence covering the 260 to 990 nm wavelength range. Methods. Aperture photometry was used to derive the Vesta flux at several wavelengths. A Fourier analysis and the HG system formalism were applied to derive the Vesta rotational period and characterize its phase function. Results. We find a G parameter value of 0.27 ± 0.01 and an absolute magnitude H(R) = 2.80 ± 0.01. The lightcurve has the largest amplitude ever reported for Vesta (0.19 ± 0.01 mag), and we derive a synodic rotational period of 5.355 ± 0.025 h. The Rosetta spectrophotometry, covering the Vesta western hemisphere, is in perfect agreement with visible spectra from the literature and close to the IUE observations related to the same hemisphere. The new spectrophotometric data reveal that there is no global ultraviolet/visible reversal on Vesta. The Vesta spectrophotometry is well reproduced by spectra of howardite meteorite powders (grain size <25 μm). From the Rosetta absolute spectrophotometry and from the phase function behaviour, we estimate a geometric albedo of 0.36 ± 0.02 at 649 nm and 0.34 ± 0.02 at 535 nm.

Multi-frequency electromagnetic sounding of the Galilean moons

Induced magnetic fields provide the unique possibility to sound the conductive interior of planetary bodies. Such fields are caused by external time-variable magnetic fields. We investigate temporal variations of the jovian magnetospheric field at multiple frequencies at the positions of the Galilean moons and analyze possible responses due to electromagnetic induction within multi-layered interior models of all four satellites. At the jovian satellites the magnetic field varies with the synodic rotation period of Jupiter’s internal field (about 10 h), fractions of this period (e.g., 1/2 and 1/3) due to higher order harmonics of the internal field, the orbital periods of the satellites (∼40 h at Io to ∼400 h at Callisto) and the solar rotation period (about 640 h) and its harmonics due to variabilities of the magnetopause field. To analyze these field variations, we use a magnetospheric model that includes the jovian internal field, the current sheet field and fields due to the magnetopause boundary currents. With this model we calculate magnetic amplitude spectra for each satellite orbit. These spectra provide the strengths of the inducing signals at the different frequencies for all magnetic components. The magnetic fields induced in the interiors of the satellites are then determined from response functions computed for different multi-layer interior models including conductive cores and ocean layers of various conductivities and thicknesses. Based on these results we discuss what information about the ocean and core layers can be deduced from the analysis of induction signals at multiple frequencies. Even moderately thick and conductive oceans produce measurable signal strengths at several frequencies for all satellites. The conductive cores cause signals which will be hardly detectable. Our results show that mutual induction occurs between the core and the ocean. We briefly address this effect and its implications for the analysis of induced field data. We further note that close polar orbits are preferable for future Jupiter system missions to investigate the satellites interiors.

DIFFERENTIAL ROTATION OF THE ULTRAVIOLET CORONA AT SOLAR MAXIMUM

Synoptic observations of the O VI 1032 A spectral line from the UltraViolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) telescope on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) have been analyzed in order to establish the rotational characteristics of the solar corona in the time interval from 1999 March 18 to 2002 December 31, corresponding to the maximum phase of solar cycle 23. By using autocorrelation analysis techniques, we determined the latitude and time dependence of the coronal rotation rate at a heliocentric distance of 1.6 R ☉ from the solar equator up to about 15° from the poles. Although the equatorial rotation rate is initially consistent with the coronal synodic rotation period (~27.5 days) inferred in a previous study by Giordano & Mancuso around solar minimum, a systematic and substantial acceleration is observed to occur during the second part of the year 2000, with the equatorial coronal synodic rotation period settling to an average value of 25.7 days in the time interval extending from 2001 August to 2002 April, corresponding to a ~7% increase in coronal rotation rate. It is shown that the coronal magnetic structures rotate much faster at all latitudes, and less differentially, than the underlying small-scale magnetic structures linked to the photospheric plasma. The rotation rate of sunspots is however compatible, at least within ~20° from the solar equator, with the one estimated in the middle corona.

Active longitudes of sunspots

The inhomogeneity of the sunspot group longitude distribution has been determined depending on the rotation period used to determine a longitude. The statistical significance of the found active longitudes has been estimated. It has been indicated that a rather high reliability is reached only when the synodic rotation period is close to 27 and 28 days. In this case active longitudes show the long-term variation related to the north-south asymmetry of the sunspot formation. It is assumed that active longitudes are related to the relic magnetic field frozen in a uniformly rotating solar radiative zone.

Datura family: the 2009 update

Context. Research of asteroid families has been recently refreshed by the discovery of very young ones. These families are of great interest because they represent the product of their parent body fragmentation before orbital and physical evolutionary processes can change them. A cluster of seven objects around the largest body (1270) Datura is of particular interest because it has enough known members and resides in the inner part of the main asteroid belt, facilitating observations. Aims. We carried out photometric observations of the two largest members of the Datura family – asteroids (1270) Datura and (90265) 2003 CL5 – with the goal of inferring their physical parameters. We also used numerous astrometric observations of Datura-family members in the past few years to revisit the age of this cluster. Methods. We performed numerous photometric observations of (1270) Datura over several oppositions. We then used the lightcurve inversion method to determine the spin state and shape of this asteroid. In the case of (90265) 2003 CL5, for which only limited lightcurve data have been acquired so far, we used Fourier analysis to determine the synodic rotation period during the 2008 apparition. We also used backward numerical integration of the improved orbits of Datura family members to reduce uncertainty in its age. Results. We determined the rotation state of (1270) Datura, the largest member of its own family. Its major properties are a short rotation period of ~3.36 h and small obliquity, which, however, exhibits ~ ± 15° excursions because of a forced Cassini state of the proper nodal frequency. Any possible initial non-principal rotation state has probably been damped and the asteroid rotates about the shortest axis of the inertia tensor. Its global shape, although convex in our representation, may reflect regions related to the excavation of the family members from the parent body surface. Interestingly, the second largest member of the Datura family – (90265) 2003 CL5 – appears to be very slow rotator with the rotation period ~24 h. The large amplitude of its rotation curve suggests that its shape is extremely elongated, possibly bi-lobed. Improved orbits of the family members allow us to re-determine the possible age of this family. We find an age that is slightly older than previously reported. Using a conservative approach, we obtain an age in the 450 to 600 kyr range. With strengthened, but plausible, conditions, we find that the current data may support an age of 530 ± 20 kyr. Further astrometric and photometric observations of the Datura cluster members are needed to determine its age more accurately.

Spin vectors in the Koronis family: II. Additional clustered spins, and one stray

We recorded 101 new rotation lightcurves of five Koronis family members, and then combined the new observations with previous data to determine the objects' sidereal rotation periods, spin vector orientations, and model shape solutions. The observing program was tailored specifically for spin vector analyses by determining single-apparition Lumme–Bowell solar phase coefficients, and by measuring synodic rotation periods precisely enough to unambiguously count the rotations between two consecutive oppositions, which is a prerequisite for identifying the correct sidereal period. The new data make possible first pole and shape determinations for (263) Dresda, (462) Eriphyla, and (1289) Kutaïssi, and they improve the models for (277) Elvira and (534) Nassovia, two objects previously studied by Slivan et al. [Slivan, S.M., Binzel, R.P., Crespo da Silva, L.D., Kaasalainen, M., Lyndaker, M.M., Krčo, M., 2003. Icarus 162, 285–307]. Our results increase the number of Koronis family spin vectors reported in the literature to fourteen, a sample which now includes the seven largest family members. The spin properties of Eriphyla (rotation period P = 8.66 h , spin vector obliquity ε = 51 ° ) and Kutaïssi ( P = 3.62 h , ε = 165 ° ) are consistent with the markedly nonrandom distribution reported by Slivan [Slivan, S.M., 2002. Nature 419, 49–51], and explained by Vokrouhlický et al. [Vokrouhlický, D., Nesvorný, D., Bottke, W.F., 2003. Nature 425, 147–151] as the result of the effects of thermal “YORP” torques combined with solar and planetary gravitational torques. Dresda ( P = 16.81 h , ε = 16 ° ) is the first prograde Koronis member whose spin obliquity and spin rate significantly differ from the clustered spin properties previously found for other prograde Koronis members; nevertheless, its spin vector is consistent with several of the spin evolution possibilities that were identified in the YORP modeling.

Coronal Rotation at Solar Minimum from UV Observations

UVCS/SOHO observations have been analyzed to reconstruct intensity time series of the O VI 1032 A and H 11216 A spectral lines at different coronal heliolatitudes from 1.5 to 3.0 solar radii from Sun center. Evidence was found for coronal differential rotation that differs significantly from that of the photospheric plasma. The study of the latitudinal variation shows that the UV corona decelerates toward the photospheric rates from the equator up to the poleward boundary 2 of the midlatitude streamers, reaching a peak of 28.16+/-0.20 days around +30 from the equator at 1.5 solar radii, while a less evident peak is observed in the northern hemisphere. This result suggests a real north-south rotational asymmetry as a consequence of different activity and weak coupling between the magnetic fields of the two hemispheres. The study of the radial rotation profiles shows that the corona is rotating almost rigidly with height.

CCD and photon-counting photometric observations of asteroids carried out at Padova and Catania observatories

We present the results of observational campaigns of asteroids performed at Asiago Station of Padova Astronomical Observatory and at M.G. Fracastoro Station of Catania Astrophysical Observatory, as part of the large research programme on Solar System minor bodies undertaken since 1979 at the Physics and Astronomy Department of Catania University. Photometric observations of six Main-Belt asteroids (27 Euterpe, 173 Ino, 182 Elsa, 539 Pamina, 849 Ara, and 984 Gretia), one Hungaria (1727 Mette), and two Near-Earth Objects (3199 Nefertiti and 2004 UE) are reported. The first determination of the synodic rotational period of 2004 UE was obtained. For 182 Elsa and 1727 Mette the derived synodic period of 80.23 ± 0.08 and 2.981 ± 0.001 h , respectively, represents a significant improvement on the previously published values. For 182 Elsa the first determination of the H – G magnitude relation is also presented.

Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko at a large heliocentric distance

Aims. The Jupiter family comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P/C-G) is the target comet of ESA's ROSETTA mission. A detailed portrait of this comet has been drawn from observations around perihelion, but what needs to be enhanced is the description of the comet's behaviour at large heliocentric distance. It is not only important for planning the rendezvous of the ROSETTA spacecraft with the comet, but will also provide valuable information on basic physical properties of the nucleus and the possible distant activity of JFCs. Methods. We performed broad-band imaging and longslit spectroscopy of 67P/C-G in the visible wavelength range in June 2004, May 2006, and August 2006, when the comet was at the heliocentric distance of r ≥ 4.9 AU. The observations were performed at the ESO VLT with the FORS2 instrument. Results. The comet appears point-like at all observing epochs, indicating that no significant coma is present around the nucleus. From our 67P/C-G images, we determined a synodic rotational period of the nucleus of 12.7047 ± 0.0011 h and a linear phase function coefficient β = 0.076 ± 0.003 mag/°. We estimated the large-to-small axis ratio a/b ≥ 1.45 ± 0.09 and, assuming an albedo of 0.04, an effective nucleus radius of 2.38 ± 0.04 km, which corresponds to the mean absolute magnitude H = 15.35 ± 0.04 mag. No colour variation with the rotational phase is found, based on broadband colour indices and reflectance spectra of the nucleus. A trail-like structure of heavy grains is clearly detected in June 2004, displaying a surface brightness of ∼28 mag/ 2 in R the filter. For the first time we also determined visible colours of the trail-like structure: (V - R) = 0.95 ± 0.14 mag/ 2 and (R - 1) = 0.39 ± 0.14 mag/ 2 . A trail-like structure is also barely visible in the May 2006 images, but a quantitative study was not possible.

Asteroid 2867 Steins

Context. Asteroid 2867 Steins is the first target of the Rosetta space mission with a flyby scheduled in September 2008. Aims. An early characterization is needed to optimize the flyby parameters and the science operations and to maximize the scientific return. The aim of this article is to characterize the photometric properties of this asteroid. Methods. The asteroid was imaged with the Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) of the Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System (OSIRIS) during the cruise phase of the Rosetta spacecraft, at a phase angle of 41.7° significantly larger than achievable from Earth. It was continuously monitored over ∼24 h (on 11 March 2006), thus covering four rotational periods, at a temporal cadence of 6 min. An accurate photometric calibration was obtained from the observations of a solar analog star, 16 Cyg B. Results. The light curve in the R photometric band of the Johnson-Kron-Cousins system has a mean value R(1, 1, α = 41.7°) = 14.13 ± 0.03 and an amplitude of 0.25 ± 0.04 mag. The periodicity was analyzed with different techniques yielding a mean value of the synodic rotational period of 6.054 ± 0.003 h. By combining with ground-based observations obtained at different phase angles, the phase function is constructed and characterized by a linear part having a phase coefficient β = 0.025 ± 0.001 mag/deg and a mean value R(1, 1, 0) = 13.10 ± 0.04. In terms of the H-G formalism, the best fit photometric values are G = 0.35 ± 0.05 and H = 12.84 ± 0.07, but the resulting opposition surge of 0.25 mag, although typical of E-type asteroids, is not really constrained because of the lack of data at phase angles below 7°. Altogether the photometric properties of asteroid 2867 Steins (phase function, color and albedo) indicate that it is a somewhat extreme E-type object, although it is known that this quite small population exhibits at least three different surface mineralogies.

Rotation rates in the Koronis family, complete to [formula omitted

We report the results of an observational survey of rotation lightcurves for members of the Koronis asteroid family that we conducted using CCD imaging cameras at seven different observatories during the period 1998–2005. A total of 375 individual lightcurves yield new or refined rotation periods for the 24 survey objects (658) Asteria, (761) Brendelia, (811) Nauheima, (975) Perseverantia, (1029) La Plata, (1079) Mimosa, (1100) Arnica, (1245) Calvinia, (1336) Zeelandia, (1350) Rosselia, (1423) Jose, (1482) Sebastiana, (1618) Dawn, (1635) Bohrmann, (1725) CrAO, (1741) Giclas, (1742) Schaifers, (1848) Delvaux, (1955) McMath, (2123) Vltava, (2144) Marietta, (2224) Tucson, (2729) Urumqi, and (2985) Shakespeare. Most of the data have been calibrated to standard magnitudes. Several previously unpublished lightcurves recorded using a photoelectric photometer during the period 1987–1989 are also reported here. We present composite lightcurves and report derived synodic rotation periods. For those objects with sufficient coverage in solar phase angle we also determined Lumme–Bowell solar phase parameters, and for four objects we obtained V – R colors. Our results reduce selection biases among known rotation lightcurve parameters for Koronis family members by completing the sample down to H ≈ 11.2 , and they lay the foundation for future spin vector and shape determinations. The distribution of rotation rates in the available sample of N = 40 Koronis members is non-Maxwellian at a confidence level of 99%. It also seems to be qualitatively consistent with the effects of long-term modification by thermal YORP torques, as proposed by Vokrouhlický et al. [Vokrouhlický, D., Nesvorný, D., Bottke, W.F., 2003. Nature 425, 147–151] to explain the distribution of the ten Koronis member spin vectors that have already been determined [Slivan, S.M., 2002. Nature 419, 49–51; Slivan, S.M., Binzel, R.P., Crespo da Silva, L.D., Kaasalainen, M., Lyndaker, M.M., Krčo, M., 2003. Icarus 162, 285–307].

Seven Asteroids Studied from Modra Observatory in the Course of Binary Asteroid Photometric Campaign

We report lightcurves for five asteroids from the inner main belt—(1703) Barry, (2590) Mourao, (4022) Nonna, (5171) Augustesen, (23031) 1999 XX7—and for two near-Earth asteroids—(100004) 1983 VA, (144922) 2005 CK38—obtained at Modra Observatory as a part of binary asteroid photometric campaign. Estimated synodic rotational periods and amplitudes of their composite lightcurves were as follows: 107.1 ± 0.5 h, 0.5 mag for (1703) Barry; 15.59 ± 0.01 h, 0.49 mag for (2590) Mourao; 2.5877 ± 0.0005 h, 0.08 mag for (4022) Nonna; 474 ± 10 h, 0.8 mag for (5171) Augustesen; 3.075 ± 0.001 h, 0.43 mag for (23031) 1999 XX7; 3.1643 ± 0.0009 h, 0.11 mag for (100004) 1983 VA; 4.7894 ± 0.0005 h, 0.27 mag for (144922) 2005 CK38. The slow rotator (5171) Augustesen and possibly also (1703) Barry appear to be tumblers, though their precession periods can not be estimated from the available data.

Rotational periodicities in sunspot relative numbers

Context. The search for active longitudes on the Sun has a long history, and many controversial results have been published. Recently the question became more important when active longitudes were found on other stars. Aims. The aim of this paper is to investigate an integral measure of solar activity available for a long time interval and which allows enough frequency resolution for the investigation of active longitudes. Such a measure is given by the daily sunspot relative numbers. Methods. A search for periodicities is performed with a classical Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), with a wavelet analysis and with the tool of superimposed epochs. Results. The FFT yields a hump of power peaks near the synodic rotation period of 27 days, but only a very weak and insignificant enhancement around 13.5 days, indicating that the mean rotational variation of the sunspot numbers typically has one maximum and one minimum (overlaid by minor fluctuations). The wavelet analysis shows that spectral power for single periods varies for certain time intervals. A systematic drift during the solar activity cycle is not detected. Similar results are obtained from the superimposed epochs. Periodic “flip-flops” with time scales of a few years as for some stars are not found for the Sun in this investigation. Conclusions. Sunspots are not distributed equally over the longitudes; there is a more active and a less active hemisphere. The rotation period derived from the pattern varies over long time scales. The results found in this work are not in favor of an explanation of the variations due to a differential rotation law. The rotation of the sunspot distribution pattern might reflect the internal rotation of the Sun, but it better fits the range of highest rotation rates in the upper convection zone than the rotation near the tachocline.

Photometric observations of Rosetta target asteroid 2867 Steins

Asteroid 2867 Steins is one of two flyby targets of ESA's International Rosetta Mission, launched in March, 2004. We obtained CCD observations of Steins on April 14-16, 2004 at Table Mountain Observatory, California, in order to characterize the asteroid physically, information that is crucial for planning the Steins flyby. This study includes the first detailed analysis of the physical properties of Steins from time-series R-filter data along with V- and I-filter photometric measurements. We found a mean R-filter absolute magnitude of 12.60 ± 0.02 (for G = 0.15), corresponding to a mean radius of 3.57 ± 0.03 km assuming an S-type reflectance of 0.20, or 2.24 ± 0.02 km assuming an E-type reflectance of 0.40 (and C = 0.40). The observed brightness range of 0.29 ± 0.04 mag suggests a lower limit on the axial ratio, a/b, of 1.30. We determined a synodic rotation period of 6.048 ± 0.007 h, assuming a double-peaked lightcurve. We fitted the available R-filter photometry over the phase angle range of 11.08-17.07 degrees and found best-fit phase function parameters of G = 0.46 (-0.20, +0.32), and H = 12.92 (-0.17, +0.22). Derived colour indices for the asteroid are (V - R) = 0.58 ± 0.03, and (R - I) = 0.44 ± 0.03. These values are consistent with, though slightly redder than Hicks et al. (IAUC 8315). Barucci et al. (2005) identified Steins as an E-type based on visual and near-infrared spectra, but if that is correct, then it is an unusually red E-type asteroid. © ESO 2007.

Lightcurves and Synodic Periods for Asteroids 1998 ST49, (13154) and (27529)

The first photometric observations of the near-Earth asteroid 1998 ST49 and the main belt asteroids (13154) and (27529) are reported. The synodic rotation periods and amplitudes of the lightcurves are: