Visible Spectroscopic Observations of Near-Earth Object 2012 DA14

TL;DR

This paper reports visible spectroscopic observations of near-Earth asteroid 2012 DA14, classifying it as an L-type and demonstrating the usefulness of small telescopes for studying small NEOs during close approaches.

Contribution

It provides the first visible spectroscopic classification of 2012 DA14 as an L-type asteroid using a small telescope.

Findings

2012 DA14 is classified as an L-type asteroid.

Small telescopes can effectively observe small NEOs during close approaches.

The asteroid's physical properties are characterized for the first time.

Abstract

We present visible spectroscopic observations of a near-earth object (NEO) 2012 DA14. The asteroid 2012 DA14 came close to the surface of the Earth on February 15, 2013 at a distance of 27,700 km. Its estimated diameter is around 45 m. The physical properties of such a small asteroid have not yet been well determined. The close encounter is a good opportunity to conduct a variety of observations. The purpose of this paper is to deduce the taxonomy of 2012 DA14 by visible spectroscopic observations using the 0.4 m f/10 telescope at the Fujii Kurosaki Observatory. We conclude that the taxonomy of 2012 DA14 is an L-type in the visible wavelength region. In addition, we refer to the availability of a small, accessible telescope for NEOs smaller than 100 m.