2018 BF3
{{Short description|Micro-asteroid}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{mp|2018 BF|3}}}}
{{Infobox planet
| minorplanet = yes
| name = {{mp|2018 BF|3}}
| background = #FFC2E0
| image = 2018_BF3-orbit.png
| image_scale =
| caption = Orbit and 1 Feb 2018 positions after flyby
| discoverer = CSS
| discovery_site = Mount Lemmon Obs.
| discovered = 20 January 2018
| mpc_name = {{mp|2018 BF|3}}
| alt_names =
| pronounced =
| named_after =
| mp_category = NEO{{·}}Apollo
| epoch = 23 March 2018 (JD 2458200.5)
| uncertainty = 7
| observation_arc = 3 days
| aphelion = 2.2905 AU
| perihelion = 0.8127 AU
| semimajor = 1.5516 AU
| eccentricity = 0.4762
| period = 1.93 yr (706 days)
| mean_anomaly = 54.414°
| mean_motion = {{Deg2DMS|0.5100|sup=ms}} / day
| inclination = 11.691°
| asc_node = 298.99°
| arg_peri = 117.22°
| moid = {{val|3.87715|e=-5|u=AU}} (0.15 LD)
| mean_diameter = {{val|12|-|38|ul=m}}
{{val|18|-|40|u=m}}
| albedo =
| spectral_type =
}}
{{mp|2018 BF|3}} is a micro-asteroid, classified as a near-Earth object of the Apollo group, approximately {{convert|20|m|ft|sigfig=1|sp=us}} in diameter. It was first observed on 20 January 2018, by astronomers of the Catalina Sky Survey at Mount Lemmon Observatory in Arizona, United States, the day after the closest flyby, due to its approach from the direction of the Sun.
Description
{{mp|2018 BF|3}} orbits the Sun at a distance of 0.8–2.3 AU once every 23 months (706 days; semi-major axis of 1.55 AU). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.48 and an inclination of 12° with respect to the ecliptic. With an aphelion of 2.3 AU, it is a Mars-crosser, crossing the orbit of the Red Planet at 1.666 AU. It is also an Earth-crosser, as are all Apollo asteroids. The body's observation arc begins at Mount Lemmon with its first observation on 20 February 2018.
= 2018 flyby =
On 19 January 2018, the object passed at a nominal distance of only {{convert |242,000 |km |AU mi |abbr=on |lk=off |sigfig=3 |order=flip}} from Earth. This corresponds to 0.63 LD. Close approaches are projected for 28 October 2019 and 26 August 2021, both at a much larger distance (0.24 AU).
{{multiple image
|direction = horizontal
|align = left
|width1 = 330
|width2 = 240
|image1 = 2018_BF3-skypath.png
|image2 = 2018_bf3-flyby.png
|footer = 2018 flyby: Its path across the sky on 19 January was east to west (2 hour positions shown) (left). Seen from space, it passes just outside geosynchronous orbit (right).
}}
{{clear|left}}
= Physical characteristics =
The Minor Planet Center estimates a diameter of {{convert|12|-|38|m|ft|sigfig=2|sp=us}}, concurring with other estimates of {{convert|18|-|40|m|ft|sigfig=2|sp=us}}. As of 2018, no rotational lightcurve of this object has been obtained from photometric observations. The asteroids's rotation period, pole and shape remain unknown.
= Numbering and naming =
This minor planet has not yet been numbered.
See also
References
{{reflist|refs=
|type = 2018-01-23 last obs.
|title = JPL Small-Body Database Browser: (2018 BF3)
|url = https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=3797857;cad=1
|publisher = Jet Propulsion Laboratory
|accessdate = 17 February 2018}}
|title = 2018 BF3
|work = Minor Planet Center
|url = https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/db_search/show_object?object_id=2018+BF3
|accessdate = 17 February 2018}}
|title = Asteroid 2018 BF3 flew past Earth at 0.63 LD, 6th in 4 days
|date = 23 January 2018
|work = The Watchers – Daily news service {{!}} Watchers.NEWS
|agency = The Watchers
|url = https://watchers.news/2018/01/23/asteroid-2018-bf3/
|accessdate = 22 February 2018}}
|title = 2018 BF3
|author = Minor Planet Center
|publisher = Twitter
|url = https://twitter.com/MinorPlanetCtr/status/955647271634391041
|accessdate = 22 February 2018}}
}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{NeoDys|2018BF3}}
- {{ESA-SSA|2018BF3}}
- {{JPL small body|id=3797857}}
{{2018 in space}}
{{Small Solar System bodies}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2018 BF3}}
Category:Minor planet object articles (unnumbered)
Category:Discoveries by the Catalina Sky Survey