Astronomy:2023 WK3

From HandWiki
Short description: Near-Earth object of the Atira group


2023 WK3
Discovery [1]
Discovered byZwicky Transient Facility
Discovery siteMoonbase South Observatory, Hakos
Discovery date21 November 2023
(first observed only)
Designations
2023 WK3
Minor planet categoryNEO · Atira[1]
Orbital characteristics[2]
Epoch 13 September 2023 (JD 2460200.5)
Uncertainty parameter 7
Observation arc22 days
|{{{apsis}}}|helion}}0.9660 AU
|{{{apsis}}}|helion}}0.3221 AU
0.64407 AU
Eccentricity0.4999
Orbital period0.5169 yr (188.80 d)
Mean anomaly47.94°
Mean motion1° 54m 24.48s / day
Inclination24.49°
Longitude of ascending node235.061°
11.117°
Earth MOID0.0376212 AU
Physical characteristics
Mean diameter450–550 m (est. at 0.05–0.15)
Absolute magnitude (H)20.5±0.4[2]


2023 WK3 is a near-Earth object of the Atira group.

Discovery

2023 WK3 was discovered at G=19.5 mag on 2023 November 21 by G. Duszanowicz using the 0.28-m f/1.9 reflector + CMOs camera of the Moonbase South Observatory (observatory code M87), Hakos.[3]

Orbit and classification

It orbits the Sun at a distance of 0.32–0.97 AU once every 6 months (189 days; semi-major axis of 0.64 AU). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.5 and a somewhat high inclination of 24° with respect to the ecliptic.[2] It could be a fragment or a former moon of a larger present-day Atira.[4]

Numbering and naming

As of 2023, this minor planet has neither been numbered nor named by the Minor Planet Center.

References

External links