Earth-crossing asteroids - New discoveriesAn earth-crossing asteroid is an asteroid whose orbit will intersect the orbit of the earth as a result of secular perturbations. Astronomical observations have led to the discovery of 43 earth-crossing asteroids during the last fifty years. Nearly sixty percent of these were found in the decade 1971-1981. Noteworthy results of the last decade are discussed, taking into account the Aten asteroids, accidental rediscoveries, asteroids of possible cometary origin, candidates for rendezvous and sample return missions, and populations and collision rates with earth. The observed earth-crossing asteroids are listed in a table, and the orbits of earth, Mars, and four Atens projected on ecliptic plane are shown.
Document ID
19820064251
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Helin, E. F. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)