# # Program information file # PROGRAM_ID 2023A935 PROGRAM_TITLE SpeX Spectroscopy of NEA 2023 DZ2 PROGRAM_INV1 Vishnu Reddy PROGRAM_INV2 PROGRAM_INV3 PROGRAM_INV4 PROGRAM_INV5 PROGRAM_SCICAT near-Earth objects PROGRAM_ABSTRACT_BEG On March 16, 2023, the Minor Planet Center announced the discovery of near-Earth asteroid (NEA) 2023 DZ2. The NEA is headed for a close approach within half lunar distance of the Earth on March 25, 2023 UTC. Based on its absolute magnitude H=23.7, the expected size of 2023 DZ2 is in the range 50 m to 110 m. A flyby of this magnitude happens once a decade and is an ideal opportunity for an International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) campaign to exercise the capability of the planetary defense community to collect observations to physically characterize the object on a short notice. The focus of the campaign is restricted to physical characterization (rotational properties, binary nature, compositional properties, albedo, diameter, shape etc.), which are within the NASA IRTF/Spex capabilities. We are requesting two hours of observing time around the closest approach to conduct SpeX Prism and LXD observations of 2023 DZ2. The window of our request is March 24, 2023 from 22:00- 00:00 HST (March 25, 0800-1000 UTC). The expected visual magnitude of the object during this window is 12.1-11.7 making it easy for Prism and LXD observations. The object is available on JPL Horizons and can be directly interfaced with the NASA IRTF. PROGRAM_ABSTRACT_END