The Mission Accessible Near-Earth Objects Survey (MANOS): first photometric results

TL;DR

This paper presents initial photometric results from the MANOS survey, characterizing 86 sub-km Near-Earth Objects to understand their properties and identify potential mission targets.

Contribution

First photometric data for 86 sub-km NEOs from the MANOS survey, including rotational periods, lightcurve amplitudes, and identification of suitable mission targets.

Findings

Smaller NEOs tend to be more spherical.

Seven NEOs identified as ideal mission candidates.

Estimated 1,230 NEOs need characterization to find 100 mission targets.

Abstract

The Mission Accessible Near-Earth Objects Survey (MANOS) aims to physically characterize sub-km Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). We report first photometric results from the survey which began in August, 2013. Photometric observations were performed using 1 m to 4 m class telescopes around the world. We present rotational periods and lightcurve amplitudes for 86 sub-km NEOs, though in some cases, only lower limits are provided. Our main goal is to obtain lightcurves for small NEOs (typically, sub-km objects) and estimate their rotational periods, lightcurve amplitudes, and shapes. These properties are used for statistical study to constrain overall properties of the NEO population. A weak correlation seems to indicate that smaller objects are more spherical than the larger ones. We also report 7 NEOs that are fully characterized (lightcurve and visible spectra) as the most suitable candidates for a future human or robotic mission. Viable mission targets are objects fully characterized, with a Delta_v(NHATS) <12 km s^-1, and a rotational period P>1h. Assuming a similar rate of object characterization as reported in this paper, approximately 1,230 NEOs need to be characterized in order to find 100 viable mission targets.