2010 XC15

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2010 XC15
Discovery[1]
Discovered by Catalina Sky Survey (703)
0.68-m Schmidt
Discovery date 2010 12 05
Designations
MPC designation 2010 XC15
Minor planet category Aten NEO,
PHA[2]
Orbital characteristics[2]
Epoch 2011-Aug-27
(Uncertainty=6)[2]
Aphelion 1.04 AU (Q)
Perihelion 0.428 AU (q)
Semi-major axis 0.734 AU (a)
Eccentricity 0.416
Orbital period 0.63 yr
Mean anomaly 233° (M)
Inclination 8.38°
Longitude of ascending node 94.5°
Argument of perihelion 157°
Physical characteristics
Dimensions ~200 metres (660 ft)[3]
Absolute magnitude (H) 21.4[2]

2010 XC15 (also written 2010 XC15) is a near-Earth asteroid and potentially hazardous object.[2] It has a modest observation arc of 40 days and an Uncertainty Parameter of 6.[2] It was discovered on 5 December 2010 by the Catalina Sky Survey at an apparent magnitude of 17.5 using a 0.68-metre (27 in) Schmidt.[1]

Based on an absolute magnitude of 21.4,[2] the asteroid has an estimated diameter of about 200 metres (660 ft).[3] 2010 XC15 is noted for a close approach to the Earth around 26-27 December 1976 at a nominal distance of about 0.002 AU (300,000 km; 190,000 mi).[4][5] As of November 2011, JPL shows that the uncertainty region of the asteroid during the 1976 could pass anywhere from 0.001 AU to 0.018 AU from the Earth.[4] It is one of the largest objects calculated to have come inside the orbit of the moon. During the 1976 close approach the asteroid probably reached about apparent magnitude 11.[6]

The asteroid will pass 0.009 AU (1,300,000 km; 840,000 mi) from the Earth on 28 December 2022,[4][5] allowing a refinement to the known trajectory and the 1976 close approach.

The asteroid 2002 JE9, with a much larger observation arc, is known to have passed 0.001 AU (150,000 km; 93,000 mi) from the Earth on 11 April 1971.

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b "MPEC 2010-X66 : 2010 XC15". IAU Minor Planet Center. 2010-12-07. Retrieved 2011-10-30.  (K10X15C)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: (2010 XC15)". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 2011-01-14 last obs (arc=40 days). Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
  3. ^ a b "Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs)". International Astronomical Union. 13 October 2011 – Version 20.1. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
  4. ^ a b c "JPL Close-Approach Data: (2010 XC15)". 2011-01-14 last obs (arc=40 days). Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
  5. ^ a b "NEODyS-2 Close Approaches for 2010XC15". Near Earth Objects - Dynamic Site. Retrieved 2011-10-30. 
  6. ^ "2010XC15 Ephemerides for 26 December 1976". NEODyS (Near Earth Objects - Dynamic Site). Retrieved 2011-10-30. 

External links [edit]

Preceded by
2002 JE9
Large NEO Earth close approach
(inside the orbit of the moon)

26-27 December 1976
Succeeded by
2005 YU55