The Minor Planet Bulletin BULLETIN OF THE MINOR PLANETS SECTION OF THE ASSOCIATION OF LUNAR AND PLANETARY OBSERVERS
Click on image to zoom
The Minor Planet Bulletin is the journal for almost all amateurs and even some professionals for publishing
asteroid photometry results, including lightcurves, H-G parameters, color indexes, and shape/spin axis models.
It is considered to be a refereed journal by the SAO/NASA ADS.
All MPB papers are indexed in the ADS.
Print subscriptions are no longer available to individuals. Institutions (e.g., college libraries) can still
obtain print copies via a special subscription. See details in MPB 37-4 or contact the editor, Richard Binzel.
Annual voluntary contributions of $5.00 or more in support of the publication are welcome.
Please send a check, drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. funds, to "Minor Planet Bulletin" and send it to:
Minor Planet Bulletin
c/o Melissa Hayes-Gehrke
UMD Astronomy Department
1113 PSC Bldg 415
College Park, MD 20742
Authors Guide and Word Templates
(v.3.0: updated 2024 February 2)
The ZIP file contains the Authors Guide PDF as well as a "starter" paper in Word 2007+ (DOTX).
Those using Word 97 (DOC/DOT) are encouraged to download
OpenOffice and convert their files to
the most recent Word format (DOCX). Please read this updated guide since there are a number of changes from previous guides.
A new, optional, table is available for those wanting to include physical and
discovery information
in a more accessible way.
See the announcement in Minor Planet Bulletin51-2.
The Pts column is no longer required and has been removed from the template for the standard
table
to allow more room for the other columns.
The phase column should have only two values: for the first and last date in the range.
If the phase reaches an extrema between those dates, put an asterisk before the first value.
For example,
*7.2,13.7.
Use semicolons to separate names in the references section. For example:
Smith, J.J.; Jones, A.A. (2019).
This also applies if using several references to the same author in the text. For example:
"This asteroid was observed at three previous apparitions (Jones, 2015; 2017; 2018)..."
Issues for the upcoming quarter-year are released on about the 21st of March, June, September, and December.
Full issues and individual papers from vol 1 (1973) to present are available via links on this page.
Important: If the ADS bibcode and "Download PDF" links are missing for the latest issue, it is because the ADS has
not processed the files. The links will be made available after the ADS processes the files.
If the "Download PDF" link is visible and there is no PDF available, clicking the link will download an arbitrary
page. We are working with ADS to make sure all papers are available and, if not, being able to diasable the link.
The "Download Full Issue" link does retrieve the correct file.
Vol 1-7 run Jul-Jun. Vol 8-present run Jan-Dec. Only papers indexed in the ADS are included.
Earlier volumes often contain more papers than listed here. It's recommended to download the
full issue in vol 1-9.
Lightcurve analysis for 4191 Assesse was performed from observations during its 2010 opposition. The synodic rotation period was found to be 5.6489 ± 0.0003 h and the lightcurve amplitude was 0.70 ± 0.09 mag. Lightcurve analysis for 4191 Assesse was performed from observations during its 2010 opposition. The synodic rotation period was found to be 5.6489 ± 0.0003 h and the lightcurve amplitude was 0.70 ± 0.09 mag.
Opportunities for Observations of Minor Planets Having Close Approaches with (1) Ceres, (2) Pallas, (4) Vesta
It is proposed to observe some small minor planets having close approaches with (1) Ceres, (2) Pallas, (4) Vesta during the next two years. These observations can be of use for improving the mass values of these large asteroids.
Asteroid Lightcurve Analysis at the Oakley Southern Sky Observatory
Pages 99-101 Krotz, Jonathan; Albers, Kendra; Carbo, Landry; Kragh, Katherine; Meiers, Andrew; Yim, Arnold; Ditteon, Richard 2010MPBu...37...99KDownload PDF
Photometric data for 24 asteroids were collected over 22 nights of observing during 2009 August through November at the Oakley Southern Sky Observatory. The asteroids were: 1654 Bojeva, 2013 Tucape1, 2216 Kerch, 2219 Mannucci, 3045 Alois, 3422 Reid, 3819 Robinson, 5832 Martaprincipe, 5914 Kathywhaler, 6066 Hendricks, 6734 Benzenberg, (7774) 1992 UU2, (9199) 1993 FO1, 10094 Eijikato, 11064 Dogen, 13123 Tyson, (13709) 1998 QE13, (14162) 1998 TV1, (19732) 1999 XF165, (20762) 2000 EE6, (27181) 1999 CX1, (29251) 1992 UH4, (29742) 1999 BQ12, and (55760) 1992 BL1.
Light Curve Analysis of Asteroids from Leura and Kingsgrove Observatory in the First Half of 2009
Photometric observations of the following asteroids were done from both Kingsgrove and Leura Observatories in the first half of 2009: 31 Euphrosyne (5.529 ± 0.001h); 1729 Beryl (4.8888 ± 0.0003 h); 2965 Surikov (9.061 ± 0.003 h); 4904 Makio (7.830 ± 0.003 h); (11116) 1996 EK (4.401 ± 0.002 h); and (19483) 1998 HA116 (2.7217 ± 0.0008 h).
Minor Planet Bulletin Now Changing to Limited Print Subscriptions
As announced one year ago (MPB Volume 36, Number 4, page 194), the Minor Planet Bulletin is now evolving to being a "limited print journal." The Minor Planet Bulletin will continue, as at present, to be available "free" in electronic format. However, paid printed and mailed subscriptions will be highly limited. Effective with the next issue [Volume 38, Number 1], printed and mailed subscriptions for the Minor Planet Bulletin will be available only for libraries and major institutions for the purpose of maintaining long-term library archives.
Lightcurves and absolute photometry near opposition revealed photometric results for 2004 Lexell: P = 5.4429 ± 0.0003 h, A = 0.42 ± 0.03 mag, H = 12.908 ± 0.064 mag, and G = 0.071 ± 0.056.
Lightcurves for 890 Waltraut, 3162 Nostalgia, and 6867 Kuwano
Lightcurve observations have yielded period determinations for the followings asteroids: 890 Waltraut, 12.581 ± 0.001 h; 3162 Nostalgia, 6.413 ± 0.002 h; and 6867 Kuwano, 7.37 ± 0.01 h.
Lightcurve Analysis of 932 Hooveria
Pages 139 Warner, Brian D.; Sada, Pedro V.; Pollock, J.; Reichart, Daniel; Ivarsen, Ivan; Haislip, Josh; Lacluyze, Aaron; Nysewander, Melissa 2010MPBu...37..139WDownload PDF
CCD observations of the main-belt asteroid 932 Hooveria in 2010 February and March led to a lightcurve with a synodic period of P = 39.15 ± 0.05 h. This contradicted a period of 30 h (Sada, 2004). Re-analysis of the Sada data set gives P = 39.23 ± 0.02 h, putting the two periods in fairly close agreement.
Occultations by 81 Terpsichore and 694 Ekard in 2009 at Different Rotational Phase Angles
During 2009, IOTA observers in North America reported about 250 positive observations for 94 asteroidal occultation events. For two asteroids this included observations of multiple chords on two different dates which allowed well-defined profiles to be obtained at different rotational phase angles. Occultations by 81 Terpsichore on 2009 November 19 and 2009 December 25 yielded best-fit ellipses of 134.0 x 108.9 km and 123.6 x 112.2 km, respectively. Observations of 694 Ekard on 2009 September 23 and 2009 November 8 yielded fitted ellipses of 124.9 x 88.0 km and 88.5 x 104.0 km, respectively.
CCD observations of the main-belt asteroid 188 Menippe at the Palmer Divide and Hunters Hill Observatories found a synodic rotation rate of 11.98 ± 0.02 h and lightcurve amplitude of 0.28 ± 0.02 mag.
CCD photometric observations of three asteroids were obtained and analyzed at the Bigmuskie Observatory, Italy, in 2010 April and May: 2954 Delsemme; 3305 Ceadams; and 7476 Ogilsbie.
Asteroid Lightcurve Analysis at the Via Capote Observatory: 2010 February-May
Photometric data for eight asteroids were obtained at the Via Capote Observatory from 2010 February through May. Synodic periods from the resulting lightcurves were found for: 1845 Helewalda (7.4 h); 2090 Mizuho (5.47 h); 2297 Daghestan (7.75 h); 2881 Meiden (3.48 h); 4569 Baerbel (2.737 h); 5691 Fredwatson (106.25 h); 11100 Lai (> 5 hrs); and (22295) 1989 SZ9 (3.80 h). Several of these targets had no previously published photometric lightcurve data.
Rotation Period Determinations for 80 Sappho, 145 Adeona, 217 Eudora, 274 Philagoria, 567 Eleutheria,and 826 Henrika
Updated results are given for six asteroids previously reported from the Palmer Divide Observatory. The original images were remeasured to obtain new data sets using the latest version of MPO Canopus photometry software, analysis tools, and revised techniques for linking multiple observing runs covering several days to several weeks. Results that were previously not reported or had significantly different periods and/or amplitudes were found for 1329 Eliane, 1582 Martir, 2023 Asaph, 8041 Masumoto, (26853) 1992 UQ2, and (52387) 1993 OM7. This is the second in a series of papers that examines results obtained during the initial years of the asteroid lightcurve program at PDO.
Asteroid Lightcurve Analysis at the Oakley Southern Sky Observatory: 2009 October thru 2010 April
Pages 152-158 Albers, Kenda; Kragh, Katherine; Monnier, Adam; Pligge, Zachary; Stolze, Kellen; West, Josh; Yim, Arnold; Ditteon, Richard 2010MPBu...37..152ADownload PDF
Photometric measurements for three main-belt asteroids from 2010 April through yield results: 185 Eunike, P = 11.20±0.05 h, A = 0.14 ± 0.05 mag. 567 Eleutheria, P = 7.71 ± 0.05 h, A = 0.30 ± 0.05 mag. No reasonable period determination could be made for 2500 Alascattalo, with A < 0.20 mag.
Asteroids Observed from GMARS and Santana Observatories: 2010 April - June
Lightcurves for five asteroids were obtained from Santana and GMARS Observatories from 2010 April to June: 824 Anastasia, 869 Mellena, 996 Hilaritas, 1451 Grano, and 2114 Wallenquist.
Asteroid Lightcurve Analysis at the Palmer Divide Observatory: 2010 March - June
A lightcurve for the newly-discovered Near-Earth asteroid 2010 NR1, was obtained from Tzec Maun Observatory in Moorook, South Australia (MPC Code D96) from a single night's observations on 2010 July 10. An approximate period of 0.89 h was found along with an amplitude of 1.8 mag, indicating a very-elongated body.
A synodic rotation period of 16.875 ± 0.001 h and amplitude of 0.20 ± 0.01 mag were determined for the asteroid 2375 Radek from unfiltered CCD photometric observations carried out at two locations, Belgrade, Serbia, and Las Cruces, NM, USA.
Lightcurves obtained 2010 May to July yield synodic rotation periods and amplitudes for: 40 Harmonia 8.909 ± 0.001 h, 0.18 ± 0.01 mag; and 105 Artemis 37.150 ± 0.001 h, 0.16 ± 0.02 mag.
Lightcurve Analysis of 279 Thule
Pages 168-169 Warner, Brian D.; Harris, Alan W.; Coley, Daniel; Stephens, Robert D.; Allen, Bill; Higgins, David 2010MPBu...37..168WDownload PDF
A campaign involving asteroid observers from the US, Australia, and New Zealand was established to determine the rotation period of the outer main-belt asteroid, 279 Thule. Several conflicting periods had been reported as well as the possibility of the object being binary. Neither this campaign nor one conducted in 2008 by Pravec et al. found evidence of a satellite. We find a period of 15.962 ± 0.003 h. While there is good confidence in the result, despite it contradicting all previous periods, the matter of the asteroid's true rotation period may still be open.
Lightcurve Photometry Opportunities: 2010 October - December
Pages 169-172 Warner, Brian D.; Harris, Alan W.; Pravec, Petr; Durech, Josef; Benner, Lance A. M. 2010MPBu...37..169WDownload PDF
Once again the spotlight is on several near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) for radar support that may present some challenges given their fast sky motion, faintness, and/or proximity to the Sun. For more background on the program details for each of the opportunity lists, refer to previous issues, e.g., Minor Planet Bulletin 36, 188.
