Rotation, spectral type, and albedo of the potentially hazardous asteroid (153814) 2001 WN 5
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Context. The potentially hazardous asteroid (153814) 2001 WN 5 will pass inside the lunar distance on June 26, 2028, offering a rare opportunity to characterize a kilometer-scale near-Earth asteroid at high angular resolution. However, previous taxonomic classifications have been inconsistent and its physical properties remain insufficiently consolidated. Aims. We aim to constrain the rotation state, shape, visible colors, geometric albedo, and taxonomy of 2001 WN 5 prior to its 2028 close approach. Methods. We combined new photometry from the 1.54 m Danish Telescope (DK154) with archival and survey observations from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), Dark Energy Camera (DECam), Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), and Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). These data were used to refine the rotation period, investigate the spin-shape solution space, derive visible colors, and estimate the geometric albedo from phase curve slopes. Results. We measured a synodic rotation period of 4.263 ± 0.002 h and 4.259 ± 0.009 h from DK154 and TESS, respectively, consistent with results from previous light curve observations. The available light curves do not uniquely constrain the sidereal rotation period, but the preferred pole solutions lie in the southern hemisphere in ecliptic coordinates. Visible colors from multiple independent datasets are consistent with the C-complex, while the TESS phase curve slopes give p V = 0.13 ± 0.04, consistent with previous thermal-infrared albedo estimates. Combining the visible colors, albedo, and published near-infrared spectra, we classify 2001 WN 5 as a likely B-type asteroid. The effective diameter is estimated to be D = 0.81 ± 0.13 km using the H - G model, while the linear model yields a slightly smaller value of 0.74 ± 0.11 km. Dynamical models indicate that 2001 WN 5 likely originated from the inner main belt via the ν 6 resonance, with the Flora–Baptistina and Nysa–Polana complexes identified as the parent candidates. Conclusions. During the 2028 encounter, 2001 WN 5 should reach an apparent diameter of about 0.5 arcsec, making it an excellent target for coordinated photometric, spectroscopic, and high-angular-resolution observations. Observations during the 2026–2027 apparition will be essential for improving its spin and shape model before its 2028 close approach.
Source: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Language: English
Topic: Astro and Planetary Science
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,865
OpenAlex ID: W7215077529