1727 Mette
Binary Hungaria asteroid and Mars-crosser discovered in 1965.
1727 Mette (temporary designation 1965 BA) is a binary asteroid belonging to the Hungaria family and also classified as a Mars-crosser. It lies in the inner region of the main asteroid belt and has a diameter of roughly 9 kilometers. The object was discovered on January 25, 1965, by Irish astronomer David Andrews at Boyden Observatory in Free State, South Africa. Andrews named it after his wife, Mette Andrews, in recognition of her tolerance of his late-night work and frequent absences from home. As an S-type asteroid, Mette is part of the Hungaria group, the innermost dense cluster of asteroids in the Solar System. Its orbit crosses that of Mars, placing it in a dynamically unstable zone between the main belt and near-Earth objects. It travels around the Sun at distances ranging from 1.7 to 2.0 AU, completing one orbit every 922 days (about 2.5 years). The orbit has an eccentricity of 0.10 and an inclination of 23° relative to the ecliptic. On April 15, 2023, Mette will pass within 0.08 AU (roughly 12 million kilometers) of Mars. The asteroid was first identified as at Goethe Link Observatory in 1955, extending its observation arc by 10 years prior to its official discovery observation. Photometric lightcurve observations have yielded a rotation period of about 2.981 hours, with brightness variations between 0.22 and 0.38 magnitudes, suggesting a moderately elongated shape. The Collaborative Asteroid Lightcurve Link assumes a standard albedo of 0.20 for stony asteroids, giving a diameter of 8.97 kilometers. In contrast, data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer indicate a diameter of 5.44 kilometers and a higher albedo of 0.544. A satellite orbiting 1727 Mette was discovered in 2013. The moon is roughly 2 kilometers in diameter and completes one orbit around the asteroid every 20 hours and 59 minutes. Mette is among several hundred known binary asteroids.
Quick Facts
- Minorplanet
- yes
- Background
- #FA8072
- Discovered
- 25 January 1965
- Discoverer
- A. D. Andrews
- Discovery Site
- Boyden Obs.
- Mpc Name
- (1727) Mette
- Named After
- Mette Andrews / (wife of discoverer)
- Mp Category
- Mars-crosserHungaria
- Epoch
- 4 September 2017 (JD 2458000.5)
- Uncertainty
- 0
- Observation Arc
- 61.54 yr (22,477 days)
- Aphelion
- 2.0430 AU
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
1727 Mette is an S-type asteroid and a member of the Hungaria family, which forms the innermost dense concentration of asteroids in the Solar System. It is also a Mars-crossing asteroid, a dynamically unstable group between the main belt and near-Earth populations. It orbits the Sun in the inner main-belt at a distance of 1.7–2.0 AU once every 922 days, with an eccentricity of 0.10 and an inclination of 23° with respect to the ecliptic. As a Mars-crosser, it will make a relatively close approach to Mars on April 15, 2023, passing at a distance of less than 0.08 AU (12,000,000 km). The asteroid was discovered on 25 January 1965 by Irish astronomer David Andrews at Boyden Observatory near Bloemfontein in Free State, South Africa. It was first identified as at Goethe Link Observatory in 1955, extending the observation arc by 10 years prior to its official discovery observation. The minor planet was named by the discoverer after his wife, Mette Andrews, for her comprehension of his nocturnal working hours and absence from home. The naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 1 February 1980.
Reader's Guide
1727 Mette holds significance as a binary asteroid, a class of objects that provides insights into the formation and dynamics of small bodies in the Solar System. Its discovery as a binary in 2013 added to the growing catalog of asteroids with satellites, which number in the hundreds. As a Hungaria asteroid and Mars-crosser, it occupies a transitional orbital region between the main belt and near-Earth populations, making it dynamically interesting. The asteroid's physical parameters show some uncertainty: its diameter is reported as approximately 9 kilometers from albedo assumptions but only 5.44 kilometers from WISE observations, highlighting the challenges in asteroid characterization. The naming honors the discoverer's wife, reflecting the personal connection often seen in minor planet nomenclature. Its relatively close approach to Mars in 2023 offers opportunities for further study. The asteroid's rotation period and lightcurve data, rated with high confidence (U=3/3/3), contribute to understanding the shapes and spin states of small asteroids.
Did You Know?
- It has a moon about 2 kilometers in diameter, discovered in 2013, which orbits every 20 hours and 59 minutes.
- The asteroid is named after the discoverer's wife, Mette Andrews, for her understanding of his nocturnal work hours.
- Its diameter is disputed: one estimate gives 8.97 km, while WISE observations give 5.44 km.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1727 Mette?
1727 Mette is a binary asteroid orbiting in the innermost region of the main belt, and it also crosses Mars's orbit. It is a member of the Hungaria family, the densest asteroid cluster nearest the Sun within the belt.
Who discovered 1727 Mette and when?
Irish astronomer David Andrews identified it on January 25, 1965, from Boyden Observatory near Bloemfontein in South Africa's Free State province. It was initially catalogued under the provisional label 1965 BA before receiving its permanent designation.
Why is the asteroid called Mette?
David Andrews named the object after his wife, Mette Andrews, as a personal tribute. He acknowledged her patience with his long observing nights and frequent absences from home.
What are 1727 Mette's size and rotation details?
The S-type body has a diameter of roughly 9 kilometers and spins on its axis in approximately 3 hours. It is a binary system, meaning a smaller companion orbits the primary asteroid.
What makes 1727 Mette noteworthy among asteroids?
It holds the unusual combination of being a Hungaria-family member while also crossing Mars's orbit, a pairing that is relatively rare. Its binary configuration further makes it a useful target for studying how small asteroid pairs form and evolve.
More in Notable Asteroids, Part 2 1-24
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