Abstract for Determining Rotational Period of Asteroid 101955 Bennu through Analysis of IR Spectrometer (OVIRS) Data from OSIRIS-REx

The purpose of this research project is to utilize the MPO Canopus data processing software to analyze data from the IR Spectrometer (OVIRS) on OSIRIS-REx. The OSIRIS-REx Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (OVIRS) is a point spectrometer on OSIRIS-REx, the primary purpose of which is to map the surface composition of Bennu, a small asteroid that approaches Earth every six years and was formed in the early days of our solar system. Through MPO Canopus, we will use differential photometry to analyze the data collected by OVIRS during OSIRIS-REx's approach to Bennu. This will allow us to determine the rotational period of Bennu. This research will verify and expand upon our current capabilities with MPO Canopus, and it will be useful in providing an analysis of the data collected by OVIRS and determining whether it can be used to accurately determine Bennu's rotational period.