163693 Atira
{{Short description|Asteroid}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox planet
| minorplanet = yes
| name = 163693 Atira
| background = #FFC2E0
| symbol = 24px
| image = Atira.20jan17.u2.s1p0.gif
| image_scale =
| caption = Arecibo discovery image of orbiting satellite taken on 20 January 2017
| discovered = 11 February 2003
| discoverer = LINEAR
| discovery_site = Lincoln Lab ETS
| mpc_name = (163693) Atira
| alt_names = {{mp|2003 CP|20}}
| pronounced = {{IPAc-en|ə|ˈ|t|ɪr|ə}}
{{IPA|paw|ətíɾəʔ|label=Pawnee:}}
| named_after = Atíra{{hamza}} "my/our mother" {{small|(Pawnee epithet of the earth goddess)}}Douglas Parks & Lula Pratt, A Dictionary of Skiri Pawnee, University of Nebraska Press, 2008. [http://zia.aisri.indiana.edu/~dictsearch/cgi-bin/testengltoxsrchNP.pl?host=zia&pass=&hasfont=&srchlang=Indian&srchstring=atira&database=skiri&srchtype=AND&sortlang=Indian&sndformat=mp3&maxhits=200&find=Run_Search atira], AISRI Dictionary Database Search, Indiana University.
| mp_category = {{Hlist
| NEO
| Atira
}}
| epoch = 23 March 2018 (JD 2458200.5)
| uncertainty = 0
| observation_arc = 14.21 yr (5,192 d)
| aphelion = 0.9798 AU
| perihelion = 0.5024 AU
| semimajor = 0.7411 AU
| eccentricity = 0.3221
| period = 233 days
| mean_anomaly = 30.769°
| mean_motion = {{Deg2DMS|1.5449|sup=ms}} / day
| inclination = 25.618°
| asc_node = 103.90°
| arg_peri = 252.93°
| moid = 0.2076 AU (80.88 LD)
| satellites = 1{{bulleted list |D: {{val|1.0|0.3|ul=km}}|P: {{val|15.5|ul=h}}|Type: synchronous}}
| mean_diameter = {{val|4.8|.5|u=km}}
| rotation = {{val|3.3984|0.0006|u=h}}
| pole_ecliptic_lat = {{val|-50|u=°}}
| pole_ecliptic_lon = {{val|192|u=°}}
| albedo = 0.0231 {{small|(derived)}}
| spectral_type = S {{small|(assumed)}}
}}
163693 Atira ({{IPAc-en|ə|ˈ|t|ɪr|ə}}; provisional designation {{mp|2003 CP|20}}) is a stony asteroid, dwelling in the interior of Earth's orbit. It is classified as a near-Earth object. Atira is a binary asteroid, a system of two asteroids orbiting their common barycenter. The primary component with a diameter of approximately {{convert|4.8|km|mi|abbr=off|sigfig=1|sp=us}} is orbited by a minor-planet moon that measures about {{convert|1|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=1|sp=us}}. Atira was discovered on 11 February 2003, by astronomers with the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research at Lincoln Laboratory's Experimental Test Site near Socorro, New Mexico, in the United States. To date, it is the only confirmed binary asteroid that orbits inside Earths orbit.{{Cite journal |last1=Deleon |first1=Aaron P. |last2=Marshall |first2=Sean E. |last3=Becker |first3=Tracy M. |last4=Pravec |first4=Petr |last5=Howell |first5=Ellen S. |last6=Nolan |first6=Michael C. |last7=Virkki |first7=Anne K. |last8=Rivera-Valentín |first8=Edgard G. |last9=Taylor |first9=Patrick A. |last10=Bolin |first10=Bryce T. |last11=Aponte-Hernández |first11=Beth |last12=Cabrera |first12=Israel |last13=Kušnirák |first13=Peter |last14=Hornoch |first14=Kamil |last15=Kučáková |first15=Hana |date=2024-10-23 |title=Physical and Mutual Orbit Characteristics of Near-Earth Binary Asteroid (163693) Atira |journal=The Planetary Science Journal |language=en |volume=5 |issue=10 |pages=235 |doi=10.3847/PSJ/ad7814 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2024PSJ.....5..235D |issn=2632-3338}}
It is the namesake and the first numbered body of the Atira asteroids, a new subclass of near-Earth asteroids, which have their orbits entirely within that of Earth and are therefore alternatively called Interior-Earth Objects (IEO). As of 2019, there are only 36 known members of the Atira group of asteroids.{{cite journal
|last1=de la Fuente Marcos |first1=Carlos
|last2=de la Fuente Marcos |first2=Raúl
|date=1 August 2019
|title=Understanding the evolution of Atira-class asteroid 2019 AQ3, a major step towards the future discovery of the Vatira population
|journal=Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
|volume= 487
|issue= 2
|pages= 2742–2752
|url = https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article-abstract/487/2/2742/5498309
|arxiv=1905.08695
|bibcode=2019MNRAS.487.2742D
|doi=10.1093/mnras/stz1437|doi-access=free
}} Atiras are similar to the larger group of Aten asteroids, as both are near-Earth objects and both have a semi-major axis smaller than that of Earth (< 1.0 AU). However, and contrary to Aten asteroids, the aphelion for Atiras is always smaller than Earth's perihelion (< 0.983 AU), which means that they do not approach Earth as close as Atens do in general. Atira has an Earth minimum orbit intersection distance of {{convert|0.2059|AU|km|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} or approximately 80.1 lunar distances.
Physical properties
Atira is a S-type asteroid and orbits the Sun at a distance of 0.5–1.0 AU once every 8 months (233 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.32 and an inclination of 26° with respect to the ecliptic. With a perihelion of 0.50 AU the body also classifies as a Venus-crosser{{Snd}} as Venus orbits the Sun at a distance of 0.72–0.73 AU{{Snd}} but does not get as close to the Sun as Mercury (which orbits between 0.31 and 0.47 AU). As no precoveries were found, Atira{{'}}s observation arc begins with its discovery observation in 2003. It has a rotation period of 3.3984 hours with a brightness variation of 0.36 magnitude ({{small|U=2}}) and a very low albedo of 0.0231.
With a diameter of 4.8 kilometers, Atira is one of the largest Near-Earth objects. Early estimates of its size ranged from 1 to 2 kilometers, but those were based on an assumed higher albedo of 0.20. Its larger size and low albedo were discovered when Atira was imaged by radar in early 2017. These radar images also revealed that Atira is a binary asteroid.
Binary system
File:Atira.23jan17.u2.s1p0.gif
Atira came within {{convert|0.207|AU|km|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} from Earth in January 2017, the closest since its discovery in 2003. This provided an opportunity to study the asteroid by radar. Images taken at Arecibo Observatory on 20 January 2017 revealed that Atira is a synchronous binary asteroid with a minor-planet moon. The primary with a diameter of {{val|4.8|0.5|u=km}} is possibly elongated and very angular in shape. The secondary is tidally locked and has a diameter of {{val|1.0|0.3|u=km}}. Additional images taken on 23 January 2017 showed that the two components are orbiting each other at a distance of about 6 km with an orbital period of 15.5 hours. It is currently the only confirmed binary asteroid that orbits inside Earths orbit.{{Cite journal |last1=Deleon |first1=Aaron P. |last2=Marshall |first2=Sean E. |last3=Becker |first3=Tracy M. |last4=Pravec |first4=Petr |last5=Howell |first5=Ellen S. |last6=Nolan |first6=Michael C. |last7=Virkki |first7=Anne K. |last8=Rivera-Valentín |first8=Edgard G. |last9=Taylor |first9=Patrick A. |last10=Bolin |first10=Bryce T. |last11=Aponte-Hernández |first11=Beth |last12=Cabrera |first12=Israel |last13=Kušnirák |first13=Peter |last14=Hornoch |first14=Kamil |last15=Kučáková |first15=Hana |date=2024-10-23 |title=Physical and Mutual Orbit Characteristics of Near-Earth Binary Asteroid (163693) Atira |journal=The Planetary Science Journal |language=en |volume=5 |issue=10 |pages=235 |doi=10.3847/PSJ/ad7814 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2024PSJ.....5..235D |issn=2632-3338}}
Name
Because the first known object in a new class of asteroids will become the name of the new class, due consideration was given to the name for (163693). The other classes of near-Earth asteroids, Amors, Apollos, and Atens, are named after a Roman, Greek, and Egyptian god respectively, each of which begins with the letter 'A'. Atira follows this pattern, being named after Atíra{{hamza}} [{{IPA|paw|ətíɾəʔ}}], an epithet of the Earth goddess of the Pawnee people. Atíra{{hamza}} is the wife of the creator god, Tirawa, and goddess of Earth and the evening star. The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 22 January 2008 ({{small|M.P.C. 61768}}).
See also
References
{{reflist|refs=
|type = 2017-04-30 last obs.
|title = JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 163693 Atira (2003 CP20)
|url = https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=2163693
|publisher = Jet Propulsion Laboratory
|accessdate = 21 April 2018}}
|title = 163693 Atira (2003 CP20)
|work = Minor Planet Center
|url = https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/db_search/show_object?object_id=163693
|accessdate = 21 April 2018}}
|title = MPC/MPO/MPS Archive
|work = Minor Planet Center
|url = https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/iau/ECS/MPCArchive/MPCArchive_TBL.html
|accessdate = 21 April 2018}}
|title = Asteroids with Satellites Database{{Snd}} (163693) Atira
|work = Johnston's Archive
|date = 19 February 2017
|author = Johnston, Wm. Robert
|url = http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/astro/astmoons/am-163693.html
|accessdate = 21 April 2018}}
|title = LCDB Data for (163693) Atira
|publisher = Asteroid Lightcurve Database (LCDB)
|url = http://www.minorplanet.info/PHP/generateOneAsteroidInfo.php?AstInfo=163693%7CAtira
|accessdate = 29 May 2017}}
|author = Wm. Robert Johnston
|title = Names of Solar System objects and features
|date = 24 August 2006
|url = http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/astro/names.html
|accessdate = 11 November 2016}}
|author = Shoemaker, E. M.
|date = December 1982
|title = Asteroid and comet bombardment of the earth
|journal = Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences
|volume = 11
|pages = 461–494
|bibcode = 1983AREPS..11..461S
|doi = 10.1146/annurev.ea.11.050183.002333
}}
|url = https://newton.spacedys.com/neodys2/index.php?pc=1.1.9&n=Atira
|title = (163693) Atira{{Snd}} PHYSICAL INFORMATION
|publisher = NEODyS: Near Earth Objects{{Snd}} Dynamic Site
|accessdate = 29 May 2017}}
|title = NEO Groups
|url = http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/neo/groups.html
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20020202160655/http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/neo/groups.html
|url-status = dead
|archive-date = 2 February 2002
|publisher = Jet Propulsion Laboratory
|accessdate = 9 December 2015}}
|title = Discovery Announcement of Binary System (163693) Atira
|url = http://outreach.naic.edu/ao/blog/discovery-announcement-binary-system-163693-atira
|publisher = Arecibo Observatory
|accessdate = 29 May 2017}}
|first1 = E. G. |last1 = Rivera-Valentin
|first2 = P. A. |last2 = Taylor
|first3 = A. |last3 = Virkki
|first4 = B. |last4 = Aponte-Hernandez
|date = January 2017
|title = (163693) Atira
|journal = Central Bureau Electronic Telegrams
|issue = 4347
|pages = 1
|bibcode = 2017CBET.4347....1R
}}
|title = Ancient Gods & Goddesses
|url = http://godfinder.org/index.html?page=3
|publisher = www.godfinder.org
|accessdate = 29 May 2017}}
|title = Lincoln Laboratory discovers inner Earth orbit asteroids
|url = https://www.ll.mit.edu/news/atira.html
|publisher = Lincoln Observatory, MIT
|accessdate = 29 May 2017
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151010134026/http://www.ll.mit.edu/news/atira.html
|archive-date = 10 October 2015
|url-status = dead}}
|display-authors = etal
|first1 = Aaron P. |last1 = Deleon
|first2 = Tracy M. |last2 = Becker
|first3 = Sean E. |last3 = Marshall
|first4 = Petr |last4 = Pravec
|first5 = Kamil |last5 = Hornoch
|first6 = Hana |last6 = Kučáková
|title = Characterization of Asteroid (163693) Atira with Arecibo Radar and Multi-Epoch Photometric Observations
|url = https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2023/pdf/1685.pdf
|conference = 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 2023
|publisher = Lunar and Planetary Institute
|date = March 2023
|issue = 1685
|accessdate = 4 February 2023}}
}}
External links
- [http://www.klet.org/html/2003cp20.html Photo] at klet.org
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120208101843/http://earn.dlr.de/nea/163693.htm Facts Sheet (163693) Atira], European Asteroid Research Node (EARN)
- [http://www.minorplanet.info/PHP/lcdbsummaryquery.php Asteroid Lightcurve Database (LCDB)], query form ([http://www.minorplanet.info/lightcurvedatabase.html info] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216050541/http://www.minorplanet.info/lightcurvedatabase.html |date=16 December 2017 }})
- [https://books.google.com/books?id=aeAg1X7afOoC&pg Dictionary of Minor Planet Names], Google books
- [http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/astro/asteroidmoons.html Asteroids with Satellites], Robert Johnston, johnstonsarchive.net
- [http://www.minorplanetcenter.org/iau/lists/NumberedMPs160001.html Discovery Circumstances]{{Snd}} Numbered Minor Planets (160001)–(165000)
- {{NeoDys|163693}}
- {{JPL small body}}
{{Minor planets navigator | |number=163693 | }}
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