The Transient Jupiter Trojan-Like Orbit of P/2019 LD2 (ATLAS)

TL;DR

P/2019 LD2 currently appears as a Jupiter Trojan but is actually a transient Centaur that will evolve back into a Centaur and later a Jupiter-family comet, emphasizing the importance of rapid dynamical classification.

Contribution

This study reveals the transient nature of P/2019 LD2's orbit, demonstrating the need for quick classification methods for small solar system bodies.

Findings

P/2019 LD2 was a Centaur before 2018 July.

It will return to being a Centaur in 2028 February.

It is expected to become a Jupiter-family comet in 2063 February.

Abstract

Comet P/2019 LD2 has orbital elements currently resembling those of a Jupiter Trojan, and therefore superficially appears to represent a unique opportunity to study the volatile content and active behavior of a member of this population for the first time. However, numerical integrations show that it was previously a Centaur before reaching its current Jupiter Trojan-like orbit in 2018 July, and is expected to return to being a Centaur in 2028 February, before eventually becoming a Jupiter-family comet in 2063 February. The case of P/2019 LD2 highlights the need for mechanisms to quickly and reliably dynamically classify small solar system bodies discovered in current and upcoming wide-field surveys.