The Minor Planet Bulletin BULLETIN OF THE MINOR PLANETS SECTION OF THE ASSOCIATION OF LUNAR AND PLANETARY OBSERVERS
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The Minor Planet Bulletin is the journal for almost all amateurs and even some professionals for publishing
asteroid photometry results, including lightcurves, H-G parameters, color indexes, and shape/spin axis models.
It is considered to be a refereed journal by the SAO/NASA ADS.
All MPB papers are indexed in the ADS.
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Minor Planet Bulletin
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Full issues and individual papers from vol 1 (1973) to present are available via links on this page.
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Vol 1-7 run Jul-Jun. Vol 8-present run Jan-Dec. Only papers indexed in the ADS are included.
Earlier volumes often contain more papers than listed here. It's recommended to download the
full issue in vol 1-9.
Pages 111-112 Pilcher, Frederick; Benishek, Vladimir; Klinglesmith, Daniel A. III; Odden, Caroline E.; Pennington, Olin O.
We find that 763 Cupido is a tumbling asteroid with a principal period near 151.5 h, amplitude 0.45 ± 0.10 mag. The second period is too close to being commensurate with the principal period to be reliably found. Possible periods may be near 101 hours (2/3 of the principal period), or 121 hours (4/5 of the principal period).
Lightcurve Analysis for Seven Main-belt Asteroids
Pages 112-115 Polakis, Tom
Synodic rotation periods were determined for seven main-belt asteroids: 763 Cupido, 151.1 ± 0.1 h; 882 Swetlana, 29.867 ± 0.009 h; 916 America, 37.294 ± 0.013 h; 920 Rogeria, 12.244 ± 0.003 h; 1182 Ilona, 29.8553 ± 0.0023 h; 1283 Komsomolia, 32.175 ± 0.005 h; and 1639 Bower, 22.181 ± 0.003 h. All the data have submitted to the ALCDEF database.
Photometric Observations of Main-belt Asteroids 1637 Swings, 10498 Bobgent, and (25980) 2001 FK53
Pages 115-116 Brincat, Stephen M.; Galdies, Charles
Photometric observations of asteroids 1637 Swings, 10498 Bobgent and (25980) 2001 FK 53 were acquired from Flarestar Observatory (MPC171) and Znith Observatory in 2017. The observations were made during a favourable apparition for each asteroid.
Lightcurve Analysis of Minor Planets Observed at the Oakley Southern Sky Observatory: 2017 March - May.
Pages 117-119 Ditteon, Richard; Young, James
During 2017 March to May, CCD images were taken of 13 minor planets in order to determine rotation periods and lightcurves. The targeted minor planets were: 917 Lyka, 1034 Mozartia, 1118 Hanskya, 1167 Dubiago, 2847 Parvati, 2881 Meiden, 3107 Weaver, 3176 Paolicchi, 3262 Miune, 5605 Kushida, 6669 Obi, 9671 Hemera, and (23738) 1998 JZ1.
Lightcurve and Rotation Period for Mnor Planet Tamriko
Pages 119-120 Foylan, Mike
CCD photometric observations in Cousins I-band of minor planet 2052 Tamriko (1976 UN) were acquired during 2017 October and November. A rotation period of 7.470 ± 0.002 h and amplitude of A = 0.15 ± 0.05 mag were determined from the five nights of observations.
Call for Observations
Pages 120 Pilcher, Frederick
Observers who have made visual, photographic, or CCD measurements of positions of minor planets in calendar 2017 are encouraged to report them to this author on or before 2018 April 15. This will be the deadline for receipt of reports which can be included in the “General Report of Position Observations for 2017” to be published in MPB Vol. 45 No. 3.
We report on the results of photometric analysis of 3122 Florence, a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) by Asteroids Observers (OBAS). This work is part of the Minor Planet Photometric Database effort that was initiated by a group of Spanish amateur astronomers. We have managed to obtain a number of accurate and complete lightcurves as well as some additional incomplete lightcurves to help analysis at future oppositions.
Results of the 2017 Mexican Asteroid Photometry Campaign - Part 1
Pages 122-124 Sada, Pedro; Loera-Gonzalez, Pablo; Olguin, Lorenzo; Saucedo-Morales, Julio C.; Ayala-Gómez, Sandra A.; Garza, Jaime R.
We report the results for the first semester of the 2017 Mexican Asteroid Photometry Campaign. Asteroid 1218 Aster (synodic period of 3.1581 ± 0.0002 h and amplitude of ~0.35 mag) was well observed and showed slight variations of its lightcurve at the end of the sevenweek observing window. An uncertain, but long, period of ~93.23 ± 0.02 h and amplitude of ~0.36 mag were estimated for 2733 Hamina from sparse data. Asteroid 8443 Svecica was also well observed and yielded a period of 20.9905 ± 0.0015 h and amplitude of ~0.65 mag. Observations of NEA (143404) 2003 BD44 also resulted in an uncertain and long period of ~78.617 ± 0.009 h and amplitude of ~0.66 mag with a sparsely covered lightcurve.
Lightcurve Analysis of L5 Trojan Asteroids at the Center for Solar System Studies 2017 September to December
Pages 124-128 Stephens, Robert D.; Warner, Brian D.
Lightcurves for four Jovian Trojan asteroids were obtained at the Center for Solar System Studies (CS3) from 2017 September to December. From observations in 2016 June, 2759 Idomeneus was found to be another candidate for the special case of very wide binaries. This would be the fifth confirmed Jovian Trojan binary asteroid.
Asteroid Lightcurve Analysis at Tacande Observatory: 4650 Mori, 6779 Perrine, and 7996 Vedernikov
Pages 128-129 Hills, Kevin
Lightcurves for three asteroids selected from the Collaborative Asteroid Lightcurve Link (CALL) website were obtained at Tacande Observatory from 2016 December to 2017 November: 4650 Mori, 6779 Perrine, and 7996 Vedernikov.
Rotational Study of Mars-crossing Asteroid 4435 Holt
Pages 130 Ruthroff, John C.
A rotation period of 2.710 h ± 0.007 h and lightcurve amplitude of 0.12 mag have been derived from two nights of observations of Mars-crossing asteroid 4435 Holt.
Photometry of 3200 Phaethon
Pages 131 Schmidt, Richard E.
The close approach of 3200 Phaethon on 2017 Dec. 17 provided an opportunity for photometry from the brightsky urban Burleith Observatory. A single night’s observation confirms the rotational period 3.60 h.
Lightcurve and Rotation Period Determinations for 1599 Giomus and 1888 Zu Chong-Zhi
Pages 132-133 Foylan, Mike; Row, Basil; Smith, Kevin Stephen
Collaborative CCD photometric observations of mainbelt asteroids 1599 Giomus (1950 WA) and 1888 Zu Chong-Zhi (1964 VO1) were acquired during 2017 November and December. A rotation period of 9.53 ± 0.03 h and amplitude of A = 0.06 ± 0.05 mag were determined for 1599 Giomus and 11.053 ± 0.003 h and amplitude of A = 0.56 ± 0.05 mag were determined for 1888 Zu Chong-Zhi.
A Photometric Study of 1134 Kepler
Pages 134-135 Pilcher, Frederick; Benishek, Vladimir
Minor planet 1134 Kepler has a synodic rotation period 2.7545 hours and amplitude increasing from 0.12 to 0.18 magnitudes in the interval 2017 Aug. 26 – Nov. 22. Superimposed upon the short rotation period is a 0.45 magnitude fading that we attribute to its movement in the sky from a more polar to a more equatorial line of sight, suggesting a somewhat flat shape for this object.
Asteroids Observed from CS3: 2017 October - December
Pages 135-137 Stephens, Robert D.
CCD photometric observations of seven main-belt asteroids were obtained from the Center for Solar System Studies from 2017 October to December.
Near-Earth Asteroid Lightcurve Analysis at CS3-Palmer Divide Station: 2017 October-December
Pages 138-147 Warner, Brian D.
Lightcurves for 20 near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) obtained at the Center for Solar System Studies-Palmer Divide Station (CS3-PDS) from 2017 October-December were analyzed for rotation period and signs of satellites or tumbling. The results for 7336 Saunders are based on data obtained in 2017 August and revise the original period of 3.36 h to 4.311 h. Preliminary shape and spin axis models are given for 1864 Daedalus and (17511) 1992 QN.
Lightcurve Analysis of Hilda Asteroids at the Center for Solar System Studies: 2017 October-December
Pages 147-161 Warner, Brian D.; Stephens, Robert D.; Coley, Daniel R.
Lightcurves for 12 Hilda asteroids were obtained at the Center for Solar System Studies (CS3) from 2017 October-December. Preliminary shape and spin axis models are given for seven of the Hildas: 958 Asplinda, 1439 Vogita, 1539 Oterma, 2483 Guinevere, 3561 Devine, 4317 Garibaldi, and 17428 Charleroi. These will serve as good starting points for future modeling.
Asteroid Lightcurve Observations at Etscorn Observatory
Pages 162-165 Klinglesmith, Daniel A. III; Hendrickx, Sebastian
We determined the synodic rotation periods for nine asteroids. Eight are candidates for spin-shape modeling and one is a first attempt at period determination.
Rotational Study of Asteroid 126 Velleda
Pages 166 Ruthroff, John C.
A rotation period of 5.36 h ± 0.01 h and lightcurve amplitude of 0.20 mag have been derived for asteroid 126 Velleda based on two consecutive nights (2018 Jan 3-4 UT) of CCD photometric observations.
Photometric observations of the main-belt asteroid (69315) 1992 UR2 were conducted from a group of observers in order to determine its synodic rotation period. This asteroid turned out to be a slow rotator with a period of 106.25h ± 0.01 and an amplitude of 1.50 mag.
A Shape and Spin Axis Model for 607 Jenny
Pages 168-171 Stephens, Robert D.; Warner, Brian D.
A combination of dense lightcurves obtained by the authors over several apparitions and sparse data was used to model the outer main-belt asteroid 607 Jenny. A reasonably reliable spin axis with ecliptic coordinates of (220°, –40°, 8.52234 h) was found, although one of (35°, –17°, 8.52234 h) cannot be formally excluded.
Lightcurve and Rotation Period Determination for 2578 Saint- Exupery, 4297 Eichhorn, 10132 Lummelunda and (21766) 1999 RW208.
Photometric observations of the main-belt asteroids 2578 Saint-Exupery, 4297 Eichhorn, 10132 Lummelunda and (21766) 1999 RW208 performed by the authors from June to December 2017, revealed the bimodal light curves phased to 8.146 ± 0.001 h for 2578 Saint-Exupery, 4.105 ± 0.003 h for 4297 Eichhorn, 2.51 ± 0.03 h for 10132 Lummellunda and 5.841 ± 0.001 h for (21766) 1999 RW208 as the most likely solutions representing the synodic rotation periods for these asteroids.
3122 Florence: Lightcurve Analysis and Preliminary Model
Photometric observations of 3122 Florence were carried out on 12 nights between 2017 Aug 30 and Oct 6. This allowed us to determine a synodic period range from P = 2.3568 h ± 0.0002 to 2.3576 h ± 0.0002 with amplitude ranging from A = 0.22 to 0.16 mag. Multi-band photometric sessions and low resolution visible spectrum analysis shows a taxonomic class S, according to the SMASS II classification. Using lightcurve inversion method we also obtained a preliminary shape and spin axis model of (? = 164° ± 15, ? = -86° ± 5) with a sidereal period Psid = 2.3583 h ± 0.0005.
Lightcurve Analysis for Four Near-Earth Asteroids
Pages 178-181 Birtwhistle, Peter
Lightcurves are reported for four near-Earth asteroids observed from Great Shefford Observatory during close approaches between 2010 January and 2017 November: 2000 RE52, 2008 YZ32, 2017 UK8, and 2017 VD. 2008 YZ32 is a large superfast rotator.
Rotation Period Determination for 59 Elpis and 295 Theresia
Pages 181-182 Pilcher, Frederick
Synodic rotation periods and amplitudes are found for two asteroids: 59 Elpis 13.671 ± 0.001 hours, 0.18 ± 0.01 magnitudes; 295 Theresia 10.702 ± 0.001 hours, 0.14 ± 0.01 magnitudes.
Lightcurve Analysis and Rotation Period for (140158) 2001 SX169
Pages 183-184 Vecchione, Antonio; Noschese, Alfonso; Catapano, Antonio
From 2017 December 6th to 2017 December 20th, CCD images were taken with the aim to measure the rotation period of (140158) 2001 SX169. The data analysis gives a light curve with a rotation period of 3.1409 ± 0.0001 h.
CCD Photometric Observations of Asteroid 1953 Rupertwildt, 4576 Yanotoyohiko, 4692 SIMBAD, 16852 Nuredduna, (19743) 2000 AF164, (21766) 1999 RW208, (24388) 2000 AB175, and (29564) 1998 ED6
CCD photometric observations of asteroids 1953 Rupertwildt, 4576 Yanotoyohiko, 4692 SIMBAD, 16852 Nuredduna, (19743) 2000 AF164, (21766) 1999 RW208, (24388) 2000 AB175, and (29564) 1998 ED6 were conducted from the George West ISD Mobile Observatory. The following rotational periods and lightcurve amplitudes were found: 1953 Rupertwildt, 4.39 ± 0.01 h, 0.16 mag; 4576 Yanotoyohiko 9.40 ± 0.04 h, 0.27 mag; 4692 SIMBAD, 5.44 ± 0.01 h, 0.14 mag; 16852 Nuredduna, 6.252 ± 0.015 h, 0.27 mag; (19743) 2000 AF164, 3.463 ± 0.002 h, 0.23 mag; (21766) 1999 RW208, 5.82 ± 0.01 h, 0.68 mag; (24388) 2000 AB175, 6.972 ± 0.01 h, 0.26 mag; and (29564) 1998 ED6, 8.40 ± 0.02 h, 0.58 mag.
Lightcurve and Rotation Period Determinations for 8 Asteroids
Pages 187-189 Benishek, Vladimir
CCD photometric observations of 8 asteroids were conducted from 2017 October through December. A summary of the results obtained for synodic rotation periods as well as the lightcurves established is presented here.
Asteroid Lightcurve Analysis at CS3-Palmer Divide Station: 2017 October-December
Pages 190-195 Warner, Brian D.
Lightcurves for 18 main-belt asteroids were obtained at the Center for Solar System Studies-Palmer Divide Station (CS3-PDS) from 2017 October-December. All but one of the asteroids were targets of opportunity, i.e., in the field of planned targets, which demonstrates a good reason for data mining images.
Period Determination for 5049 Sherlock, 16852 Nuredduna and (16943) 1998 HP42
Photometric observations of three main-belt asteroids were conducted from the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Siena (Italy) in order to determine their synodic rotation periods. For 5049 Sherlock we found a period of 5.492 ± 0.001 h with an amplitude of 0.79 mag, for 16852 Nuredduna a period of 6.299 ± 0.002 h with an amplitude of 0.30 mag and for (16943) 1998 HP42 a period of 16.764 ± 0.006 h with an amplitude of 0.67 mag.
Rotational Periods of Asteroids 184 Dejopeja, 435 Ella and 5049 Sherlock
Pages 197-198 Lang, Kim; Jacobsen, Jens; Kristensen, Leif Hugo; Larsen, Frank R.
We report on photometric observations of three mainbelt asteroids, 184 Dejopeja, 435 Ella and 5049 Sherlock, made in Nov. and Dec. 2017. We find synodic rotation periods and amplitudes of 6.4416 ± 0.0004 h and 0.22 mag (184 Dejopeja), 4.621 ± 0.009 h and 0.38 mag (435 Ella) and 5.4914 ± 0.0005 h and 0.75 mag (5049 Sherlock).
Lightcurve Analysis for Eleven Main-belt Asteroids
Pages 199-203 Polakis, Tom
Synodic rotation periods were determined for eleven main-belt asteroids: 300 Geraldina, 6.847 ± 0.012 h; 597 Bandusia, 7.6636 ± 0.0008 h; 868 Lova, 41.118 ± 0.011 h; 904 Rockefellia, 6.826 ± 0.004 h; 964 Subamara, 6.8695 ± 0.0012 h; 965 Angelica, 26.752 ± 0.035 h; 1105 Fragaria, 5.4312 ± 0.0008 h; 1181 Lilith, 15.033 ± 0.003 h; 1197 Rhodesia, 16.060 ± 0.006 h; 1255 Schilowa, 76.275 ± 0.041 h; and 1883 Rimito, 6.475 ± 0.008 h. All the data have submitted to the ALCDEF database.
Lightcurve Analysis of Ten Asteroids from RMS Observatory
Pages 203-207 Rowe, Basil
CCD images of ten asteroids were taken from 2017 August 24 to November 14 for the purpose of determining the asteroids’ synodic rotation periods: 2353 Alva, 2440 Educatio, 2633 Bishop, 4911 Rosenzweig, (6490) 1991 NR2, (6693) 1986 CC2, (11745) 1999 NH3, (20885) 2000 WD2, (33982) 2000 NQ23, and (171576) 1999 VP11.
Call for NASA Mission Supporting Observations
Pages 207-208 Binzel, Richard P.
Lightcurve observations are requested to support NASA missions planned for launch to study main-belt and Trojan asteroids. In some cases, the rotations of the target asteroids are unknown. In other cases, the periods are well established and ongoing measurements will deliver the precision needed to deduce the rotation phase at the time of encounter more than a decade away.
Pages 208-213 Warner, Brian D.; Harris, Alan W.; Durech, Josef; Benner, Lance A.M.
We present lists of asteroid photometry opportunities for objects reaching a favorable apparition and having either none or poorly-defined lightcurve parameters. Additional data on these objects will help with shape and spin axis modeling via lightcurve inversion. We also include lists of objects that will be the target of radar observations. Lightcurves for these objects can help constrain pole solutions and/or remove rotation period ambiguities that might not come from using radar data alone.
In This Issue
Pages 213-214 Warner, Brian D.
This list gives those asteroids in this issue for which physical observations (excluding astrometric only) were made. This includes lightcurves, color index, and H-G determinations, etc. In some cases, no specific results are reported due to a lack of or poor quality data. The page number is for the first page of the paper mentioning the asteroid. EP is the "go to page" value in the electronic version.
