An R-type asteroid within near-Earth objects?

Free access article

Issue		A&A Volume 420, Number 1, June II 2004


Page(s)		L5 - L8
Section		Letters
DOI		http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20040147

A&A 420, L5-L8 (2004)
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20040147

Letter

An R-type asteroid within near-Earth objects?

S. Marchi, M. Lazzarin and S. Magrin

Dipartimento di Astronomia, Università di Padova, Vicolo dell'Osservatorio 2, 35122 Padova, Italy
e-mail: [marchi;lazzarin;magrin]@pd.astro.it
(Received 10 March 2004 / Accepted 16 April 2004)

Abstract
We present visible and near-infrared spectroscopy of 2001 XR31, a previously unclassified small near-Earth object (NEOs). Its spectrum resembles that of basaltic body, with the distinctive 1 and 2 $\mu$ m pyroxene absorption bands, similar to those found on V-type bodies. However, the spectrum of 2001 XR31 is somewhat peculiar and we discuss whether it can belong to another class of basaltic bodies, namely the rare R-class.

If confirmed, this object would be the only R-type detected among NEOs so far. In the light of this possibility, we also discuss the relationships of 2001 XR31 with other main belt R-types and a possible explanation of its origin.

Key words: minor planet -- asteroids -- near-Earth objects

Offprint request: S. Marchi, marchi@pd.astro.it

What is OpenURL?

The OpenURL standard is a protocol for transmission of metadata describing the resource that you wish to access. An OpenURL link contains article metadata and directs it to the OpenURL server of your choice. The OpenURL server can provide access to the resource and also offer complementary services (specific search engine, export of references...). The OpenURL link can be generated by different means.

If your librarian has set up your subscription with an OpenURL resolver, OpenURL links appear automatically on the abstract pages.
You can define your own OpenURL resolver with your EDPS Account. In this case your choice will be given priority over that of your library.
You can use an add-on for your browser (Firefox or I.E.) to display OpenURL links on a page (see http://www.openly.com/openurlref/). You should disable this module if you wish to use the OpenURL server that you or your library have defined.