Lightcurves of 7 Near-Earth Asteroids

Rotational properties of the binary and non-binary populations in the trans-Neptunian belt

“…We also checked our results with several other time-series analysis techniques, such as the phase dispersion minimization (PDM; Stellingwerf 1978), and the CLEAN technique (Foster 1995). The method developped by Harris et al (1989) and its improvement (Pravec et al 1996) was also used (Pravec-Harris method). Finally, to measure the full amplitude (or peak-to-peak amplitude) of short-term variability, a first-or second-order Fourier fit (depending on whether we considered a single-or doublepeaked rotational periodicity) to the data was performed.…”

Mutual Eclipse Events in Asteroidal Binary System 1996 FG3: Observations and a Numerical Model

“…On the other hand, after the high frequency component is properly removed, the similarity with the mutual events signatures in a close binary system is evident. Therefore, following Pravec et al (1998a), who first realized its binary nature, we deduce that 1996 FG 3 consists of a non-synchronized central body whose 3.6-h period rotation is responsible for the observed short period lightcurve, and a satellite, which produces mutual eclipse-occultation events with a frequency corresponding to an orbital period of 16.15 h.…”

“…In the case of Apollo-type asteroid 1996 FG 3 we were able to acquire observational data of excellent accuracy and with complete coverage of the events, so that it was possible for the first time to quantitatively model the observations and reproduce the features of the lightcurves. Such modeling definitely and uniquely identifies 1996 FG 3 as a binary system, as first proposed by Pravec et al (1998a).…”

Two-Period Lightcurves of 1996 FG3, 1998 PG, and (5407) 1992 AX: One Probable and Two Possible Binary Asteroids

“…Lahulla (1998) suggested a hypothesis of excited rotation while Pravec et al (1998b) suggested that it is a binary system. We present a detailed analysis of our observations and show that the binary model explains well many of the peculiar features of the 1996 FG 3 lightcurve.…”