Radiometric diameter and albedo of the remarkable asteroid 1976AA

David Morrison, Jonathan C. Gradie, George H. Rieke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

THE minor planet 1976 A A (Fast-Moving Object Helin), discovered on January 7, 1976, is the first asteroid found with an orbital period of < 1 yr (orbital elements a=0.97, e=0.18; i=19°; ref. 1). Although it seems to be a likely speculation that 1976 AA is a former Apollo object that originally had its aphelion in the main asteroid belt, it is possible that this object is a member of a group of minor planets that is distinct in physical as well as orbital properties. Observations that reveal the physical nature (colour, albedo, texture, mineralogy) of its surface are needed to compare it with better studied objects in more orthodox orbits. This letter reports a determination by infrared radiometry of the diameter and albedo of 1977AA.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)691
Number of pages1
JournalNature
Volume260
Issue number5553
DOIs
StatePublished - 1976

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Radiometric diameter and albedo of the remarkable asteroid 1976AA'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this