The power of collaborative optical techniques in asteroid studies: a closer look at the Koronis asteroids

This study explores the collaborative optical techniques between professional and small-aperture telescopes to determine the rotational periods of asteroids within the Koronis family. By combining data collected from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias’ IAC80 telescope and a network of small-aperture telescopes, this research addresses observational challenges and an approach to optimize telescope time. This is demonstrated and explained through the successful measurement of previously unknown rotational periods for six Koronis family asteroids, ranging from approximately 2.68 to 41.45 hours, with the former being the fastest rotation period recorded for the Koronis family. These findings reveal a diverse range of spin rates and amplitudes, offering additional data that may help provide new insights into the composition and evolutionary dynamics of the Koronis family. This study highlights the significant contributions that small- and medium-aperture telescopes can provide in enhancing the accuracy and scope of asteroid observations, demonstrating the value of integrating professional and amateur efforts to advance our understanding of asteroid rotational characteristics and dynamics. It shows how Pro-Am partnership stands not as a supplement but as a cornerstone of asteroid science whereby through coordinated observing campaigns, amateur networks can effectively fill the temporal and spatial gaps that large telescopes cannot, producing datasets of statistical robustness and temporal continuity.