Eclipse/Occultation Events in the Binary System of the near-Earth Asteroid 65803 Didymos

Abstract

We present the results of photometric observations of 65803 Didymos. Didymos is a near-Earth-asteroid belonging to the PHA (Potentially Hazardous Asteroid) group and one of the most accessible asteroids by spacecraft. Didymos has a complex lightcurve that can be described as the co-addition of two independent components: periodic wave with double peak and temporal depression of brightness. Therefore, it suggests a system of two bodies that secondary orbits around primary, displaying both eclipses and occultation.