Perturbations in the rotational dynamics of small asteroids when approaching the Earth

Using numerical modeling, perturbations that occur in the rotational motion of small (10-50 m in diameter) asteroids during their close approaches to the Earth (at distances of the order of several Earth radii) are considered. For a number of asteroids (Duende, 2012TC4 and 2023BU), estimates of possible changes in the rotational period $P$ and the orientation of the rotational axis due to approach to the Earth were obtained. It has been established that in the case of fast rotation of an asteroid ($P < 1$ h), perturbations in its rotational motion that arise during approach are negligible. With a relatively slow rotation of the asteroid ($P > 5$ h), perturbations can be significant: changes in $P$ may reach several hours, and deviations of the rotation axis from the initial position may amount to tens of degrees. Such perturbations influence further orbital dynamics of a slowly rotating asteroid by changing the magnitude of the Yarkovsky effect.