Rotational Dynamics of Asteroids Approaching Planets

Abstract

We consider the effect of an asteroid’s approach to a planet on its rotational dynamics by means of comprehensive numerical experiments. For a number of asteroids experiencing successive approaches to several terrestrial planets, characteristic estimates of the change in the asteroid’s proper rotation period due to the approach to the planet are obtained. The rotational dynamics of the asteroid (367943) Duende during its very close approach to the Earth in 2013 is considered, and estimates of the asteroid’s possible rotation speed up to the moment of approach are obtained.

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