Dynamical Configuration of Binary Near-Earth Asteroid (66391) 1999 KW4

J. Scheeres, D.; G. Fahnestock, E.; J. Ostro, S.; Margot, J.-L.; A. M. Benner, L.; B. Broschart, S.; Bellerose, J.; D. Giorgini, J.; C. Nolan, M.; Magri, C.; Pravec, P.; Scheirich, P.; Rose, R.; F. Jurgens, R.; M. De Jong, E.; Suzuki, S.

doi:10.1126/science.1133599

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Dynamical Configuration of Binary Near-Earth Asteroid (66391) 1999 KW4

Shared by NobleBlocks on Nov 24, 2006 • 12:00 AM UTC

Authors:

D. J. Scheeres

E. G. Fahnestock

S. J. Ostro

Abstract

Dynamical simulations of the coupled rotational and orbital dynamics of binary near-Earth asteroid 66391 (1999 KW4) suggest that it is excited as a result of perturbations from the Sun during perihelion passages. Excitation of the mutual orbit will stimulate complex fluctuations in the orbit and rot...

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