185638 Erwinschwab

Orbit and classification

Erwinschwab is a member of the Nysa family (405), the main belt's largest asteroid family with nearly 20 thousand members. The family also known as the Nysa-Polana complex, consisting of several distinct subfamilies.

The asteroid orbits the Sun in the inner main-belt at a distance of 2.0–2.8 AU once every 3 years and 8 months (1,342 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.16 and an inclination of 3° with respect to the ecliptic.

The body's observation arc begins with its first identification as by Spacewatch at Kitt Peak Observatory in October 1995, more than 12 years prior to its official discovery observation at La Sagra in 2008.

Physical characteristics

The asteroid's spectral type is unknown. The Nysa family complex consist of S-, F- and C-type asteroids (SFC).

Diameter and albedo

Erwinschwab has not been observed by any space-based telescope such as the Infrared Astronomical Satellite IRAS, the Japanese Akari satellite or the NEOWISE mission of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer. Based on an assumed albedo of 0.20, which is typical for silicaceous asteroid, the asteroid measures 0.95 kilometers in diameter for an absolute magnitude of 17.5. Since members of the Nysa family complex also include carbonaceous asteroid, Erwinschwab's albedo may also be estimated at 0.057, which translates into a larger diameter of 1.8 kilometers.

Rotation period

As of 2017, no rotational lightcurve of Erwinschwab has been obtained from photometric observations. The body's rotation period, pole axis and shape remain unknown.

Naming

This minor planet was named after German amateur astronomer Erwin Schwab (born 1964), a prolific discoverer of minor planets at the Starkenburg Observatory, Tzec Maun and Taunus observatories since the early 1980s. During his astrometric observation at Taunus, Schwab has collaborated with astronomer Rainer Kling. The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 7 June 2009 (M.P.C. 66244).

References