Laboratory Simulation of Photometric Light Curves of the Asteroids
Abstract
We report laboratory simulations of asteroid observations obtained using a specially designed apparatus SAM (the acronym stands for System for Asteroid Models). The aim of the experiment was to assess the geometrical and physical characteristics of an asteroidal body which may affect the shape of its light curve; and, in particular, the parameters which define asteroid orientation with respect to the observer, and the shape and surface morphology of the asteroids. The design and operation of the SAM is described in some detail and the first results obtained with models having a regular shape are presented and discussed.
- Publication:
-
Moon and Planets
- Pub Date:
- December 1982
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF00929993
- Bibcode:
- 1982M&P....27..387B
- Keywords:
-
- Asteroids;
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Light Curve;
- Space Environment Simulation;
- Amplitudes;
- Experiment Design;
- Laboratory Equipment;
- Obliqueness;
- Surface Properties;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration