1827 Atkinson

1827 Atkinson, provisional designation 1962 RK, is a background asteroid from the central regions of the asteroid belt, approximately 9 kilometers in diameter. It was discovered on 7 September 1962, by IU's Indiana Asteroid Program at Goethe Link Observatory near Brooklyn, Indiana, United States.[4] The asteroid was named after British astronomer Robert d'Escourt Atkinson.[2]

1827 Atkinson
Discovery [1]
Discovered byIndiana University
(Indiana Asteroid Program)
Discovery siteGoethe Link Obs.
Discovery date7 September 1962
Designations
(1827) Atkinson
Named after
Robert d'Escourt Atkinson
(British astronomer)[2]
1962 RK · 1931 VC
1955 FL · 1967 TL
1973 EQ
main-belt · (middle)
Orbital characteristics [1]
Epoch 4 September 2017 (JD 2458000.5)
Uncertainty parameter 0
Observation arc85.41 yr (31,196 days)
Aphelion3.1907 AU
Perihelion2.2291 AU
2.7099 AU
Eccentricity0.1774
4.46 yr (1,629 days)
43.640°
0° 13m 15.24s / day
Inclination4.5222°
220.56°
239.58°
Physical characteristics
Dimensions8.855±0.301 km[3]
0.249±0.052[3]
Tholen = DU [1]
B–V = 0.807 [1]
12.39[1]

    Orbit and classification

    Atkinson is not a member of any known asteroid family.[5] It orbits the Sun in the central main-belt at a distance of 2.2–3.2 AU once every 4 years and 6 months (1,629 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.18 and an inclination of 5° with respect to the ecliptic.[1]

    The body's observation arc begins with its first identification as 1931 VC at Uccle Observatory in November 1931, almost 31 years prior to its official discovery observation at Goethe Link.[4]

    Physical characteristics

    In the Tholen classification, Atkinson is similar to a dark D-type asteroid, though with an unusual spectrum (DU).[1] This strongly disagrees with the albedo obtained by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), which indicates that is rather a stony S-type asteroid.[3]

    Rotation period

    As of 2017, no rotational lightcurve of Atkinson has been obtained from photometric observations. The asteroid's rotation period, shape and poles remain unknown.[1][5]

    Diameter and albedo

    According to the survey carried out by the NEOWISE mission of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, Atkinson measures 8.855 kilometers in diameter and its surface has an albedo of 0.249.[3]

    Naming

    This minor planet was named after British astronomer, physicist and inventor, Robert d'Escourt Atkinson (1898–1982), noted for his contributions to fundamental astronomy. Atkinson pioneered in studying nuclear energy-generation in the Sun and stars.[2] The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 15 October 1977 (M.P.C. 4236).[6]

    References
    1. "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 1827 Atkinson (1962 RK)" (2017-03-29 last obs.). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
    2. Schmadel, Lutz D. (2007). "(1827) Atkinson". Dictionary of Minor Planet Names – (1827) Atkinson. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. p. 146. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-29925-7_1828. ISBN 978-3-540-00238-3.
    3. Masiero, Joseph R.; Mainzer, A. K.; Grav, T.; Bauer, J. M.; Cutri, R. M.; Dailey, J.; et al. (November 2011). "Main Belt Asteroids with WISE/NEOWISE. I. Preliminary Albedos and Diameters". The Astrophysical Journal. 741 (2): 20. arXiv:1109.4096. Bibcode:2011ApJ...741...68M. doi:10.1088/0004-637X/741/2/68. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
    4. "1827 Atkinson (1962 RK)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
    5. "LCDB Data for (1827) Atkinson". Asteroid Lightcurve Database (LCDB). Retrieved 5 September 2017.
    6. Schmadel, Lutz D. (2009). "Appendix – Publication Dates of the MPCs". Dictionary of Minor Planet Names – Addendum to Fifth Edition (2006–2008). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. p. 221. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-01965-4. ISBN 978-3-642-01964-7.

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