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39741 Komm

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39741 Komm
Discovery [1]
Discovered byR. Tucker
Discovery siteGoodricke–Pigott Obs.
Discovery date9 January 1997
Designations
(39741) Komm
Named after
Rudolf Komm
(helioseismologist)[2]
1997 AT6 · 1999 LM28
Mars crosser[1][3][4]
Orbital characteristics[1]
Epoch 4 September 2017 (JD 2458000.5)
Uncertainty parameter 0
Observation arc20.15 yr (7,358 days)
Aphelion2.9461 AU
Perihelion1.4189 AU
2.1825 AU
Eccentricity0.3499
3.22 yr (1,178 days)
175.16°
0° 18m 20.52s / day
Inclination6.3383°
225.71°
126.19°
Earth MOID0.4267 AU
Physical characteristics
Dimensions2.15 km (calculated)[3]
5.95±0.01 h[5]
0.20 (assumed)[3]
S[3]
15.7[1][3]

39741 Komm (provisional designation 1997 AT6) is a stony asteroid and eccentric Mars-crosser from the innermost regions of the asteroid belt, approximately 2 kilometers in diameter. It was discovered on 9 January 1997, by American astronomer Roy Tucker at Goodricke-Pigott Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, United States.[4] The asteroid was named for American helioseismologist Rudolf Komm.[2]

Orbit and classification

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Komm orbits the Sun in the inner main-belt at a distance of 1.4–2.9 AU once every 3 years and 3 months (1,178 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.35 and an inclination of 6° with respect to the ecliptic.[1] As no precoveries were taken, the asteroid's observation arc begins with its official discovery observation.[4]

Physical characteristics

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Rotation and shape

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In October 2009, the first and so far only rotational lightcurve of Komm was obtained by French amateur astronomer René Roy. It gave a well-defined rotation period of 5.95±0.01 hours with a high brightness variation of 0.83 magnitude, indicative of a non-spheroidal shape (U=3).[5]

Diameter and albedo

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The Collaborative Asteroid Lightcurve Link assumes a standard albedo for stony asteroids of 0.20 and calculates a diameter of 2.15 kilometers with an absolute magnitude of 15.7.[3]

Naming

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This minor planet was named after Rudolf Walter Komm (born 1957), an American helioseismologist, who contributed in the study of solar activity.[2] The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 6 August 2003 (M.P.C. 49283).[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 39741 Komm (1997 AT6)" (2017-03-03 last obs.). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Schmadel, Lutz D. (2006). "(39741) Komm [2.18, 0.35, 6.3]". Dictionary of Minor Planet Names – (39741) Komm, Addendum to Fifth Edition: 2003–2005. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. p. 206. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-34361-5_2433. ISBN 978-3-540-34361-5.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "LCDB Data for (39741) Komm". Asteroid Lightcurve Database (LCDB). Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  4. ^ a b c "39741 Komm (1997 AT6)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  5. ^ a b Behrend, Raoul. "Asteroids and comets rotation curves – (39741) Komm". Geneva Observatory. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  6. ^ "MPC/MPO/MPS Archive". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
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