Are There Meteors Originated from Near Earth Asteroid (25143) Itokawa?

TL;DR

This study investigates whether meteors originate from Near Earth Asteroid Itokawa by analyzing multi-station optical data and mineral materials, identifying five candidates with one strong candidate, MORP172.

Contribution

It is the first comprehensive survey linking Itokawa-origin meteors to specific fireballs using orbit data and mineral analysis.

Findings

Identified five Itokawid meteor candidates.

MORP172 is the strongest candidate based on trajectory and mineral data.

Confirmed potential meteor-asteroid connection.

Abstract

As a result of a survey of Itokawid meteors (i.e., meteors originated from Near Earth Asteroid (25143) Itokawa = 1998SF36), from among the multi-station optical meteor orbit data of ~15000 orbits, and applying the D-criteria, we could find five Itokawid meteor candidates. We also analyzed corresponding mineral materials of the Itokawid candidates through their trajectory and atmospheric data. We conclude, on the basis of our investigation, that the fireball, MORP172, is the strongest Itokawid candidate.