Refinement of the convex shape model and tumbling spin state of (99942) Apophis using the 2020-2021 apparition data

Abstract

Context. The close approach of the near-Earth asteroid (99942) Apophis to Earth in 2029 will provide a unique opportunity to examine how the physical properties of the asteroid could be changed due to the Earth's gravitational perturbation. As a result, the Republic of Korea is planning a rendezvous mission to Apophis. Aims. Our aim was to use photometric data from the apparitions in 2020-2021 to refine the shape model and spin state of Apophis. Methods. Using thirty-six 1 to 2-m class ground-based telescopes and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, we performed a photometric observation campaign throughout the 2020-2021 apparition. The convex shape model and spin state were refined using the light-curve inversion method. Results. According to our best-fit model, Apophis is rotating in a short axis mode with rotation and precession periods of 264.178 hours and 27.38547 hours, respectively. The angular momentum vector orientation of Apophis was found as (275${}^{\circ }$, -85${}^{\circ }$) in the ecliptic coordinate system. The ratio of the dynamic moments of inertia of this asteroid was fitted to $I_a:I_b:I_c=0.64:0.97:1$, which corresponds to an elongated prolate ellipsoid. These findings regarding the spin state and shape model could be used to not only design the space mission scenario but also investigate the impact of the Earth's tidal force during close encounters.

14 pages, 5 figures; Accepted for publication on Astronomy & Astrophysics

References in corpus (7)

• The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite
• Numerical predictions of surface effects during the 2029 close approach of asteroid 99942 Apophis
• Solar System objects observed with TESS -- First data release: bright main-belt and Trojan asteroids from the Southern Survey
• Adaptive optics and lightcurve data of asteroids: twenty shape models and information content analysis
• APOPHIS -- Effects of the 2029 Earth's Encounter on the Surface and Nearby Dynamics
• Spin Change of Asteroid 2012 TC4 probably by Radiation Torques
• Shape model and spin state of non-principal axis rotator (5247) Krylov

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• Numerical Simulations of Tidal Deformation and Resulting Light Curves of Small Bodies: Material Constraints of 99942 Apophis and 1I/`Oumuamua
• Constraining the Interiors of Asteroids Through Close Encounters
• Apophis source population and Earth encounter frequency of Apophis-like bodies