Characterization of the near-Earth Asteroid 2002NY40

TL;DR

This study provides detailed observational data on near-Earth asteroid 2002 NY40, including its shape, rotation period, and spectral type, enhancing understanding of its physical characteristics during close approach.

Contribution

The paper offers a comprehensive characterization of asteroid 2002 NY40 using adaptive optics, photometry, and spectroscopy, which was not previously available.

Findings

Asteroid is triangular with self-shadowing effects.

Has a rotation period of approximately 20 hours.

Spectral analysis classifies it as a Q-type asteroid.

Abstract

In August 2002, the near-Earth asteroid 2002 NY40, made its closest approach to the Earth. This provided an opportunity to study a near-Earth asteroid with a variety of instruments. Several of the telescopes at the Maui Space Surveillance System were trained at the asteroid and collected adaptive optics images, photometry and spectroscopy. Analysis of the imagery reveals the asteroid is triangular shaped with significant self-shadowing. The photometry reveals a 20-hour period and the spectroscopy shows that the asteroid is a Q-type.