Asteroid Albedos: Challenges and Implications for NEA Survey Programs

Jan 16, 2026

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This piece delves into the complexities of detecting Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) through sky surveys, focusing on the role of asteroid albedos. With albedos ranging from only a few percent, identifying these dark celestial bodies can be compared to spotting lumps of coal against the vastness of space. The discussion also highlights the trade-offs between detection size limits and survey speed, emphasizing the challenges faced by astronomers in unveiling the hidden population of NEAs.

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Asteroid Albedos: Challenges and Implications for NEA Survey Programs

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Asteroid Albedos & Consequences for Detection by NEA Survey Programs Contributed by Eric B. Grosfils Pomona College
Astronomy: Sky Surveys • Great idea! But not so simple in practice… • It’s a big solar system out there! • Trade off between detection size limit and survey speed/effectiveness. • Asteroids are dark… much like asteroid Eros (10 km x 30 km) shown here (it really is here, even if you cannot see it) • with albedos of a few percent, think looking for lumps of coal set against the black vastness of space! Eros’ Albedo: 5%
Astronomy: Sky Surveys 10%
Astronomy: Sky Surveys 20%
Astronomy: Sky Surveys 30%
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Astronomy: Sky Surveys 50%