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

TL;DR

This paper reports photometric observations of various asteroids, including the first determination of the rotation period for 2004 UE and improved periods for others, using CCD and photon-counting methods at Italian observatories.

Contribution

It provides new rotational period measurements and photometric data for several asteroids, enhancing existing knowledge with improved and first-time determinations.

Findings

First rotation period of 2004 UE determined

Improved period measurements for 182 Elsa and 1727 Mette

First H-G magnitude relation for 182 Elsa

Abstract

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 h 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.