Refinement of the convex shape model and tumbling spin state of (99942) Apophis using the 2020-2021 apparition data

TL;DR

This study refines the shape and spin state of asteroid Apophis using 2020-2021 photometric data, providing detailed physical parameters crucial for future space missions and understanding its behavior during Earth's close approach.

Contribution

The paper presents a new, detailed convex shape model and spin state of Apophis based on extensive ground-based and satellite photometry, improving prior models.

Findings

Apophis rotates in a short axis mode with specific periods.

The asteroid's shape is elongated and prolate.

The spin and shape data aid mission planning and impact analysis.

Abstract

Context. The close approach of the near-Earth asteroid (99942) Apophis to Earth in 2029 will provide a unique opportunity to examine how the physical properties of the asteroid could be changed due to the Earth's gravitational perturbation. As a result, the Republic of Korea is planning a rendezvous mission to Apophis. Aims. Our aim was to use photometric data from the apparitions in 2020-2021 to refine the shape model and spin state of Apophis. Methods. Using thirty-six 1 to 2-m class ground-based telescopes and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, we performed a photometric observation campaign throughout the 2020-2021 apparition. The convex shape model and spin state were refined using the light-curve inversion method. Results. According to our best-fit model, Apophis is rotating in a short axis mode with rotation and precession periods of 264.178 hours and 27.38547 hours, respectively. The angular momentum vector orientation of Apophis was found as (275$^\circ$, -85$^\circ$) in the ecliptic coordinate system. The ratio of the dynamic moments of inertia of this asteroid was fitted to $I_a:I_b:I_c=0.64:0.97:1$, which corresponds to an elongated prolate ellipsoid. These findings regarding the spin state and shape model could be used to not only design the space mission scenario but also investigate the impact of the Earth's tidal force during close encounters.