Keys to Composition: Observational Methods of Determining Near Earth Asteroid Properties Open Access

Abstract

Near Earth Objects, or NEOs, provide rare opportunities to study the composition, structure, and dynamical histories of small bodies delivered from the main asteroid belt into near-Earth space. Providing insight into solar system history, migration and collisional processes shape the physical properties of NEOs, such as rotation period, shape, albedo, and spectral type. This thesis examines three NEOs, 2025 FA22, (3361) Orpheus, and 2004 VA, and one main‑belt asteroid, 35 Leukothea, to evaluate observational methods for assessing different properties of NEOs. Fast-moving targets, 2025 FA22 and (3361) Orpheus, prompted the adoption of TRIPPy, Trailed Image Photometry in Python in order to get a light curve to assess spin period and shape. 2004 VA and 35 Leukothea were used for assessing composition through phase‑angle photometry by evaluating the phase-slope coefficient . Each of these contributed to testing and comparing observational techniques in our continual study of the origins of NEOs.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction

I. Importance of Understanding NEOs

II. Observational Techniques

a. Taking Data for Photometry and Calibrations

b. Differential Photometry and Calculating Magnitudes

c. Comparison Stars

d. Result Goals

III. Target Selection

Chapter 2. Light Curves for Fast-Moving NEOs: Pill-Shaped Apertures

I. TRIPPy

II. Changes in Photometric Process for Fast-moving NEOs

III. (3361) Orpheus

IV. 2025 FA22

a. Light Curve Results

b. V–R Analysis

Chapter 3. Albedo and Spectral Type through Phase Angle Photometry

I. Creating Phase Curves

a. Stacking

b. Calculating H Magnitudes

c. Exposure Times and Maximizing SNR

II. 35 Leukothea (A855 HA)

III. 2004 VA

Chapter 4. Conclusions

I. Scientific Conclusions

II. Observational Conclusions

Bibliography

Appendix A

About this Honors Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Emory College
Department	Physics and Astronomy
Degree	B.S.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics
Keyword	Phase Curves Light Curves 35 Leukothea Near Earth Objects Photometry Color Analysis 2025 FA22 (3361) Orpheus 2004 VA TRIPPy
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Alissa Bans, Emory University
Committee Members	Merida Batiste, Emory University Jed Brody, Emory University

Last modified

Primary PDF

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions
	Keys to Composition: Observational Methods of Determining Near Earth Asteroid Properties ()	2026-04-08 15:49:30 -0400	Press to Select an action Download

Supplemental Files

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions