(523662) 2012 MU2

In this article, we will explore the different aspects related to (523662) 2012 MU2 and its impact on contemporary society. From its beginnings to the present, (523662) 2012 MU2 has played a crucial role in various areas, influencing the way we perceive the world around us. Throughout these pages, we will analyze its evolution, its multiple facets and its relevance in the current context. Through interviews with experts, recent research and concrete examples, we will delve into the universe of (523662) 2012 MU2 to understand its importance and its possible implications in the future.

(523662) 2012 MU2
Discovery[1]
Discovered byCatalina Sky Srvy.
Discovery siteCatalina Stn.
Discovery date18 June 2012
Designations
(523662) 2012 MU2
2012 MU2
Apollo · NEO · PHA[1][2]
Orbital characteristics[2]
Epoch 27 April 2019 (JD 2458600.5)
Uncertainty parameter 0
Observation arc6.23 yr (2,277 d)
Aphelion3.1119 AU
Perihelion0.9987 AU
2.0553 AU
Eccentricity0.5141
2.95 yr (1,076 d)
114.89°
0° 20m 4.2s / day
Inclination11.222°
250.33°
16.587°
Earth MOID0.0011 AU (0.43 LD)
Physical characteristics
240 m (est.)[3]
20.8[1][2]

(523662) 2012 MU2, provisional designation 2012 MU2, is a sub-kilometer asteroid on an eccentric orbit, classified as near-Earth object and potentially hazardous asteroid of the Apollo group.[2] It was discovered on 18 June 2012 by astronomers of the Catalina Sky Survey at an apparent magnitude of 19.9 using a 0.68-meter (27 in) Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope.[4] It has an estimated diameter of 240 meters (790 ft).[3] The asteroid was listed on Sentry Risk Table with a Torino Scale rating of 1 on 23 June 2012.[3]

Orbit and classification

2012 MU2 is a member of the Apollo asteroids, a group of near-Earth objects with an Earth-crossing orbit. It orbits the Sun at a distance of 1.0–3.1 AU once every 2 years and 11 months (1,076 days; semi-major axis of 2.06 AU). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.51 and an inclination of 11° with respect to the ecliptic.[2]

On 24 June 2012 with an observation arc of 6 days, 2012 MU2 showed a 1 in 7,140 chance of impacting Earth on 1 June 2015. It was removed from the Sentry Risk Table on the next day (25 June).[5]

With an observation arc of 113 days, the JPL Small-Body Database (solution JPL 42 dated 2013-Aug-05) shows that 2012 MU2 may make a very close approach to asteroid 29 Amphitrite on 8 April 2179.[6] The minimum approach distance is about 0.000032 AU (4,800 km; 3,000 mi), but the maximum distance is 0.14 AU (21,000,000 km; 13,000,000 mi).[6] The nominal approach is 0.047 AU (7,000,000 km; 4,400,000 mi).[6]

The Earth approach in 2015 occurred on 15 May 2015 at a distance of 0.11485 AU (17,181,000 km; 10,676,000 mi).[6]

Numbering and naming

This minor planet was numbered by the Minor Planet Center on 25 September 2018 (M.P.C. 111778).[7] As of 2018, it has not been named.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "523662 (2012 MU2)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 523662 (2012 MU2)" (2018-09-12 last obs.). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  3. ^ a b c "Observations of small Solar-System bodies (2012 MU2)". hohmanntransfer. 23 June 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2013.
  4. ^ "MPEC 2012-M24 : 2012 MU2". IAU Minor Planet Center. 20 June 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2013. (K12M02U)
  5. ^ "Date/Time Removed". NASA/JPL Near-Earth Object Program Office. Archived from the original on 2 June 2002. Retrieved 8 September 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d "JPL Close-Approach Data: (2012 MU2)" (last observation: 2015-06-14; arc: 1091 days). Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  7. ^ "MPC/MPO/MPS Archive". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 9 October 2018.