Call for Observations

Predictions for "Neglected Asteroids"

Astronomical Observatory Institute of Poznan, Poland is coordinating a world-wide observing campaign of somewhat neglected asteroids. These are small bodies of the main belt with slow rotation and small lightcurve amplitudes, avoided by most of previous studies [1]. The aim is to improve biased statistics of spin and shape modeled asteroids. Recent results from TESS spacecraft have shown that slow rotators are actually dominating in the population of main belt asteroids [2], while asteroids with available spin and shape model have predominantly short rotation periods.

On this site occultation predictions for central Europe are presented in the next one or two months. All events are calculated using Gaia DR2 catalog and the best asteroid prediction available at the time of generated the prediction. The data base for the asteroid's orbit you see in the lower left corner of the graphic. For prediction purpose the CORA system by Mike Kretlow is used.

[1] Marciniak et al. 2015, "Against the bias in spins and shapes of asteroids", Planet Space Sci. 118, 256; arXiv:1711.02429
[2] Pál et al. 2020 ''Solar System objects observed with TESS -- First data release: bright main-belt and Trojan asteroids from the Southern Survey'' ApJS 247, 26; arXiv:2001.05922


More information about the "Neglected Asteroids Project" you can find here.