Speaker
Description
We present the partial results of a study conducted within the NEOPOPS project [1], the taxonomic classification [2] of 47 near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) through a probabilistic clustering method developed by Max Mahlke and collaborators [3].
Broadband photometry B, V, R, and I of several NEAs obtained during 2025–2026 with the 1.2 m telescope at Observatoire de Haute Provence (France) was used. Data reduction and instrumental magnitudes were computed using Tycho Tracker software [4]. After applying statistical cleaning and sigma-clipping methods, we derived color indices and converted them into spectral reflectance which was used for the taxonomic classification.
From 55 observed objects, we classified 47 asteroids (85.5%), 25 objects belonging to the S-complex (including Q class and O class), 12 to the C-complex (including B class), 4 to the M-complex, and 6 to the V-type. The classification quality is good (72.3%) and moderate (23.4%), only 2 objects having ambiguous classification.
Within the 47 NEAs, we analysed 27 Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs), S-complex being assigned to 14 PHAs, C-complex to 7 objects, 2 to M-complex, and 4 to V-type asteroids.
Multi-band photometry provides an accessible and faster way to estimate surface composition and therefore is essential in understanding the evolution of our Solar System and in elaborating plans to prevent, reduce or manage the consequences of a potential impact of a NEA with Earth which represents one of the most threatening natural hazards to our planet.
References
1. Ieva, S. EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2025
2. Birlan M., Barucci, A., Belskaya, I., et al Astronomy & Astrophysics, Volume 689, id.A334, 12 pp
3. Mahlke, M., Carry, B., Mattei, P.-A., Astronomy & Astrophysics, Volume 665, id.A26, 32 pp
4. Parrott, D. (2023). Tycho Tracker User Guide (v13): Photometry and Astrometry Software Documentation. [Software manual]