Rapid response characterization of 2025 FA22 in support of the IAWN campaign: Observations from Europe
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The near-Earth asteroid 2025 FA22 was the focus of a coordinated international campaign by the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) to stress-test planetary defense responses following its discovery in March 2025. We provide a multi-technique physical characterization using European assets in the framework of the European NEOPOPS project. The primary goals were to determine the asteroid's rotation period, surface composition, and size in order to assess crucial aspects for planetary defense and support the broader IAWN campaign. Characterization involved coordinated photometry, visible spectroscopy, and bistatic radar observations. The asteroid has a synodic rotation period of 13.084 ± 0.007 h, a potentially homogeneous surface composition consistent with X- or Sx-type, and an estimated mean effective diameter of 162 ± 21 m. Radar measurements established lower bounds consistent with an elongated shape inferred from the light curve, but the size interpretation remains dependent on geometry. We obtained multi-technique characterization within weeks from the alert, demonstrating the effectiveness of rapid coordinated visible and radar observations for potential impactors within the tight operational windows required for planetary defense.
Source: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Authors: S. Ieva, J. Bourdelle de Micas, A. Farina, E. Dotto, P. Pravec, P. Fatka, G. Pupillo, M. A. Barucci, S. Bagnulo, M. Birlan, J.L. Cano, M. Devogèle, F. Ferri, E. Frank, M. Fulchignoni, S. T. Garrington, J. D. Giorgini, F. La Forgia, K. Honková, K. Hornoch, H. Kučáková, P. Kušnirák, T.J.W. Lazio, M. Lazzarin, A. Margheri E. Mazzotta Epifani, A. C. Mura, P. Ochner, R. Orosei, D. Perna, N. Rodriguez-Alvarez, A. Rossi, S. Righini, P. Ryder, A. Sonka, M. Vazquez, N. Wrigley
Language: English
Topic: Astro and Planetary Science
Subfield: Space and Planetary Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,865
OpenAlex ID: W7223121275