Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about notable asteroids, part 3.
What does Part 3 of the Asteroid Fan Encyclopedia cover?
Part 3 is dedicated to Near-Earth Objects and Potentially Hazardous Asteroids, examining their orbital dynamics, discovery histories, and cultural significance. It serves as the third volume in a three-part community reference series.
Which asteroids are the central 'characters' of Part 3?
The volume spotlights Bennu, Apophis, and 1950 DA as its three anchor entries, with supporting profiles on Itokawa, 2012 TC4, and several smaller PHAs. Each anchor asteroid gets a multi-page deep-dive covering orbital history and mission context.
Where should a newcomer begin reading Part 3?
Start with Chapter 1, 'Reading the Orbit,' which explains the Tisserand parameter and why NEO classification matters before diving into individual asteroid profiles. The glossary at the back is also a good first stop for unfamiliar terms.
How is Part 3 structured differently from Parts 1 and 2?
While Parts 1 and 2 are organized by belt region, Part 3 is organized by orbital class—Apollo, Aten, Amor, and Atira—followed by a dedicated hazard-assessment appendix. This reflects the fact that NEOs are defined by their relationship to Earth rather than a single spatial region.
What is the most debated entry in the community?
The 1950 DA profile sparked a lengthy thread over whether its 2028 Earth-approach should be framed as a close call or a routine flyby. The editors ultimately adopted neutral language after a community vote, and the entry now carries a 'contested framing' tag.
How many individual asteroids does Part 3 profile?
The volume contains 47 full-length profiles ranging from kilometer-class bodies like Bennu to sub-kilometer Atens, plus a brief-reference table listing another 120 NEOs by designation and orbital class.
What key facts should a reader know before using Part 3?
All orbital elements are cited to the J2000 epoch and cross-checked against JPL's Small-Body Database as of the volume's last revision. The encyclopedia is unofficial and does not replace NASA or ESA mission documentation.
What was the most notable correction moment in Part 3's history?
An early draft misattributed the 2013 rotation-period measurement of 2012 TC4 to a single observatory; the community identified the error within a week. The revised entry now credits the full multi-site photometric campaign properly.
Who maintains Part 3 and how often is it updated?
A rotating team of six volunteer editors maintains the volume, with a full revision cycle roughly every eighteen months. Minor errata patches are posted between cycles on the project's public wiki.
Can readers suggest new asteroids for a future Part 3 revision?
Yes—the project accepts nomination threads on its discussion board, and any NEO with at least one peer-reviewed orbital solution is eligible for profile consideration in the next revision cycle.