25924 Douglasadams

Orbit and classification

Douglasadams is a member of the Nysa family (405), better described as the Nysa–Polana complex, as it contains at least three asteroid families with distinct spectral types (SFC). It orbits the Sun in the inner main-belt at a distance of 2.0–2.8 AU once every 3 years and 9 months (1,371 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.17 and an inclination of 2° with respect to the ecliptic.

The body's observation arc begins with a precovery taken by Spacewatch at Kitt Peak Observatory in January 1997, more than four years prior to its official discovery observation at Lincoln Lab's ETS.

Physical characteristics

The spectral type of Douglasadams is unknown. Based on its albedo (see below) it is likely a common stony S-type asteroid.

Diameter and albedo

According to the survey carried out by the NEOWISE mission of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, Douglasadams measures 2.410 kilometers in diameter and its surface has an albedo of 0.210. It has an absolute magnitude of 15.6.

Rotation period

As of 2017, no rotational lightcurve of Douglasadams has been obtained from photometric observations. The asteroid's rotation period, poles and shape remain unknown.

Naming

This minor planet was named in memory of English novelist Douglas Adams (1952–2001), because its provisional designation happened to contain the year of his death, his initials, and the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything (42), as given in his novel serial The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 25 January 2005 (M.P.C. 53471).

The asteroid 18610 Arthurdent, discovered by Felix Hormuth in 1998, was named after the bewildered hero of Douglas Adams's The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

References