Published January 1, 2022 | Version v1
Journal article Open

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

Creators

  • 1. Korea Astron & Space Sci Inst, 776 Daedeokdae Ro, Daejeon 34055, South Korea
  • 2. Adam Mickiewicz Univ, Astron Observ Inst, Fac Phys, Sloneczna 36, PL-60286 Poznan, Poland
  • 3. Jagiellonian Univ, Astron Observ, Ul Orla 171, PL-30244 Krakow, Poland
  • 4. Las Cumbres Observ, 6740 Cortona Dr Suite 102, Goleta, CA 93117 USA
  • 5. Cardiff Univ, Las Cumbres Observ, Sch Phys & Astron, Queens Bldg, Cardiff CF24 3AA, Wales
  • 6. Eotvos Lorand Res Network ELKH, Konkoly Observ, Res Ctr Astron & Earth Sci, Konkoly Thege Miklos Ut 15-17, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary
  • 7. South African Astron Observ, ZA-7925 Cape Town, South Africa
  • 8. Univ Cape Town, Dept Astron, ZA-7701 Rondebosch, South Africa
  • 9. Pedag Univ, Mt Suhora Observ, Ul Pochorazych 2, PL-30084 Krakow, Poland
  • 10. Univ Zielona Gora, Kepler Inst Astron, Lubuska 2, PL-65265 Zielona Gora, Poland

Description

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-meter-class ground-based telescopes and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, we carried out 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 h and 27.38547 h, respectively. The angular momentum vector orientation of Apophis was found to be (275 degrees, -85 degrees) 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 can be used to both design the space mission scenario and investigate the impact of the Earth's tidal force during close encounters.

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