2018 DV1 is a micro-asteroid, classified as a near-Earth object of the Aten group, approximately 6–12 meters (20–40 feet) in diameter. It was first observed on 26 February 2018, by astronomers of the Mount Lemmon Survey at Mount Lemmon Observatory, Arizona, five days prior to its sub-lunar close encounter with Earth at less than 0.3 lunar distance.[1]
Orbit and classification
2018 DV1 belongs to the Aten group of asteroids,[1][2] which cross the orbit of Earth. Contrary to the much larger Apollos, Atens have a semi-major axis of less than 1 AU, that is, a period less than a year (Earth).[2]
Based on an observation arc of less than 2 days, it orbits the Sun at a distance of 0.82–1.15 AU once every 12 months (358 days; semi-major axis of 0.986 AU). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.17 and an inclination of 5° with respect to the ecliptic.[2] The body's observation arc begins at Mount Lemmon with its first observation.[1]
Close encounters
2018 flyby
On 2 March 2018, at 05:54 UT, this object passed Earth at a nominal distance of 0.29 LD (0.00075 AU) which corresponds to a distance of 112,600 kilometres (70,000 miles).[2] The object also approached the Moon at a similar distance of 133,300 km (82,800 mi) the day before.[2] It was the 18th known asteroid to flyby Earth within 1 lunar distance (LD) since the start of 2018 and 6th closest. Five days earlier, a similar object, 2018 DU,[4] came within 175,000 miles (284,000 km). However, the two encounters were unrelated and neither of them represent any hazard to the Earth (also see List of asteroid close approaches to Earth in 2018 § List).[5]
MOID and projections
2018 DV1 has a notably low minimum orbital intersection distance with Earth of 23,800 km (0.000159 AU), or 0.06 LD.[2] The asteroid's next encounter with Earth will be on 26 February 2019 at a much larger distance of 51 LD (0.130 AU). It closest future approach is predicted to occur on 28 February 2064, then at a nominal distance of 24 LD (0.0628 AU).[2]
Physical characteristics
Based on a generic magnitude-to-diameter conversion, 2018 DV1 measures between 6 and 12 meters in diameter, for an absolute magnitude of 28.4, and an assumed albedo between 0.057 and 0.20, which represent typical values for carbonaceous and stony asteroids, respectively.[3] As of 2018, no rotational lightcurve of this object has been obtained from photometric observations. The body's rotation period, pole and shape remain unknown.[2]
Numbering and naming
This minor planet has neither been numbered nor named.[1]
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