Letter to the Editor

An R-type asteroid within near-Earth objects?^*

Dipartimento di Astronomia, Università di Padova, Vicolo dell'Osservatorio 2, 35122 Padova, Italy e-mail: [marchi;lazzarin;magrin]@pd.astro.it

Corresponding author: S. Marchi, marchi@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 μm 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.