The physical and dynamical characteristics of the asteroid 4940 Polenov
Journal
Serbian Astronomical Journal
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Vchkova-Bebekovska, E.
Todorovic, N.
Kostov, A.
Donchev, Z.
Borisov, G.
Apostolovska, G.
DOI
10.2298/saj2102039v
Abstract
<jats:p>The asteroid (1986 QY4) 4940 Polenov is the first Solar system object whose 3D
shape is determined using the observations from the newly built Astronomical
Station Vidojevica (ASV). Here we present the results of photometric
observations for Polenov, gathered from the ASV, and from the Bulgarian
National Astronomical Observatory (BNAO) Rozhen, during 2014, 2019 and 2020
apparitions. Polenov is a 17.8km object located in the outer part of the
main belt and belongs to the asteroid family Themis. We have determined the
lightcurves, the synodic period of 4.161?0.001 h, as well as the solution
for the shape and spin axis. Using the lightcurve inversion method, the
combination of our lightcurves and the sparse data from ATLAS{HKO and
ATLAS-MLO, we also found the sidereal period, indicating a retrograde
rotation of the asteroid, with two possible mirrored pole solutions. The
ratio of the largest to smallest reecting surface is about 1.4. In addition,
we studied the dynamical properties of the asteroid and obtained a long
stability time that exceeds 0.4 Gyrs.</jats:p>
shape is determined using the observations from the newly built Astronomical
Station Vidojevica (ASV). Here we present the results of photometric
observations for Polenov, gathered from the ASV, and from the Bulgarian
National Astronomical Observatory (BNAO) Rozhen, during 2014, 2019 and 2020
apparitions. Polenov is a 17.8km object located in the outer part of the
main belt and belongs to the asteroid family Themis. We have determined the
lightcurves, the synodic period of 4.161?0.001 h, as well as the solution
for the shape and spin axis. Using the lightcurve inversion method, the
combination of our lightcurves and the sparse data from ATLAS{HKO and
ATLAS-MLO, we also found the sidereal period, indicating a retrograde
rotation of the asteroid, with two possible mirrored pole solutions. The
ratio of the largest to smallest reecting surface is about 1.4. In addition,
we studied the dynamical properties of the asteroid and obtained a long
stability time that exceeds 0.4 Gyrs.</jats:p>