1827 Atkinson

1827 Atkinson
Discovery
Discovered byIndiana University
(Indiana Asteroid Program)
Discovery siteGoethe Link Obs.
Discovery date7 September 1962
Designations
(1827) Atkinson
Named after
Robert d'Escourt Atkinson
(British astronomer)
1962 RK · 1931 VC
1955 FL · 1967 TL
1973 EQ
main-belt · (middle)
Orbital characteristics
Epoch 4 September 2017 (JD 2458000.5)
Uncertainty parameter 0
Observation arc85.41 yr (31,196 days)
Aphelion3.1907 AU
Perihelion2.2291 AU
2.7099 AU
Eccentricity0.1774
4.46 yr (1,629 days)
43.640°
0° 13m 15.24s / day
Inclination4.5222°
220.56°
239.58°
Physical characteristics
Dimensions8.855±0.301 km
0.249±0.052
Tholen = DU
B–V = 0.807
12.39

1827 Atkinson, provisional designation 1962 RK, is a background asteroid from the central regions of the asteroid belt, approximately 9 kilometers in diameter. It was discovered on 7 September 1962, by IU's Indiana Asteroid Program at Goethe Link Observatory near Brooklyn, Indiana, United States. The asteroid was named after British astronomer Robert d'Escourt Atkinson.

Orbit and classification

Atkinson is not a member of any known asteroid family. It orbits the Sun in the central main-belt at a distance of 2.2–3.2 AU once every 4 years and 6 months (1,629 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.18 and an inclination of 5° with respect to the ecliptic.

The body's observation arc begins with its first identification as 1931 VC at Uccle Observatory in November 1931, almost 31 years prior to its official discovery observation at Goethe Link.

Physical characteristics

In the Tholen classification, Atkinson is similar to a dark D-type asteroid, though with an unusual spectrum (DU). This strongly disagrees with the albedo obtained by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), which indicates that is rather a stony S-type asteroid.

Rotation period

As of 2017, no rotational lightcurve of Atkinson has been obtained from photometric observations. The asteroid's rotation period, shape and poles remain unknown.

Diameter and albedo

According to the survey carried out by the NEOWISE mission of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, Atkinson measures 8.855 kilometers in diameter and its surface has an albedo of 0.249.

Naming

This minor planet was named after British astronomer, physicist and inventor, Robert d'Escourt Atkinson (1898–1982), noted for his contributions to fundamental astronomy. Atkinson pioneered in studying nuclear energy-generation in the Sun and stars. The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 15 October 1977 (M.P.C. 4236).

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 1827 Atkinson (1962 RK)" (2017-03-29 last obs.). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Schmadel, Lutz D. (2007). "(1827) Atkinson". Dictionary of Minor Planet Names – (1827) Atkinson. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. p. 146. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-29925-7_1828. ISBN 978-3-540-00238-3.
  3. ^ a b c d Masiero, Joseph R.; Mainzer, A. K.; Grav, T.; Bauer, J. M.; Cutri, R. M.; Dailey, J.; et al. (November 2011). "Main Belt Asteroids with WISE/NEOWISE. I. Preliminary Albedos and Diameters". The Astrophysical Journal. 741 (2): 20. arXiv:1109.4096. Bibcode:2011ApJ...741...68M. doi:10.1088/0004-637X/741/2/68. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  4. ^ a b "1827 Atkinson (1962 RK)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  5. ^ a b "LCDB Data for (1827) Atkinson". Asteroid Lightcurve Database (LCDB). Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  6. ^ Schmadel, Lutz D. (2009). "Appendix – Publication Dates of the MPCs". Dictionary of Minor Planet Names – Addendum to Fifth Edition (2006–2008). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. p. 221. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-01965-4. ISBN 978-3-642-01964-7.