Context. The study of non-principal axis (NPA) rotators can provide important clues to the evolution of the spin state of asteroids. However, very few studies to date have focused on NPA-rotating main belt asteroids (MBAs). One MBA known to be in an excited rotation state is asteroid (5247) Krylov. Aims. By using disk-integrated photometric data, we construct a physical model of (5247) Krylov including shape and spin state. Methods. We applied the light curve convex inversion method employing optical light curves obtained by using ground-based telescopes in three apparitions during 2006, 2016, and 2017, along with infrared light curves obtained by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer satellite in 2010. Results. Asteroid (5247) Krylov is spinning in a short axis mode characterized by rotation and precession periods of 368.7 and 67.27 h, respectively. The angular momentum vector orientation of Krylov is found to be λ L = 298° and β L = −58°. The ratio of the rotational kinetic energy to the basic spin-state energy E ∕ E 0 ≃ 1.02 shows that the (5247) Krylov is about 2% excited state compared to the principal axis rotation state. The shape of (5247) Krylov can be approximated by an elongated prolate ellipsoid with a ratio of moments of inertia of I a : I b : I c = 0.36 : 0.96 : 1. This is the first physical model of an NPA rotator among MBAs. The physical processes that led to the current NPA rotation cannot be unambiguously reconstructed.

Using our photometric observations taken between April 1996 and January 2013 and other published data, we derived properties of the binary near-Earth Asteroid (175706) 1996 FG(3) including new measurements constraining evolution of the mutual orbit with potential consequences for the entire binary asteroid population. We also refined previously determined values of parameters of both components, making 1996 FG3 one of the most well understood binary asteroid systems. With our 17-year long dataset, we determined the orbital vector with a substantially greater accuracy than before and we also placed constraints on a stability of the orbit. Specifically, the ecliptic longitude and latitude of the orbital pole are 266 and -83 degrees, respectively, with the mean radius of the uncertainty area of 4 degrees, and the orbital period is 16.1508 +/- 0.0002 h (all quoted uncertainties correspond to 3 sigma). We looked for a quadratic drift of the mean anomaly of the satellite and obtained a value of 0.04 +/- 0.20 deg /yr(,)(2) i.e., consistent with zero. The drift is substantially lower than predicted by the pure binary YORP (BYORP) theory of McMahon and Scheeres (McMahon, J., Scheeres, D. [2010]. Icarus 209,494-509) and it is consistent with the tigidity and quality factor of mu Q = 1.3 x 10(7) Pa using the theory that assumes an elastic response of the asteroid material to the tidal forces. This very low value indicates that the primary of 1996 FG3 is a 'rubble pile', and it also calls for a re-thinking of the tidal energy dissipation in close asteroid binary systems. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aims. We present physical models of ten asteroids obtained by means of lightcurve inversion. A substantial part of the photometric data was observed by amateur astronomers. We emphasize the importance of a coordinated network of observers that will be of extreme importance for future all-sky asteroid photometric surveys. Methods. The lightcurve inversion method was used to derive spin states and shape models of the asteroids. Results. We derived spin states and shape model for ten new asteroids: (110) Lydia, (125) Liberatrix, (130) Elektra, (165) Loreley, (196) Philomela, (218) Bianca, (306) Unitas, (423) Diotima, (776) Berbericia, and (944) Hidalgo. This increases the number of asteroid models up to nearly one hundred.

Aims. We present evidence that four minor planets of the main belt are binary systems. Methods. These discoveries are based on CCD photometric measurements made by many observers coordinated in a network of observatories. Results. Orbital and physical properties are derived from a total of 134 partial light curves involving 26 stations. (854) Frostia, (1089) Tama, (1313) Berna, and (4492) Debussy show mutual eclipses features on their light curves. In all cases, rotation and revolution are synchronous. Synodic periods are 37.728, 16.444, 25.464 and 26.606 h respectively. From a simple model, we have derived their bulk densities as follows: 0.89 ± 0.14, 2.52 ± 0.30, 1.22 ± 0.15 and 0.91 ± 0.10 g cm −3 respectively. Uncertainties in the bulk densities, arising from scattering and shadow effects are not taken into account. These could increase the density estimates by a factor up to 1.6. Our method of determining bulk density is completely independent of their mass and their diameter estimates. The low rotational periods and the low bulk densities clearly imply a collisional process to explain this kind of binary asteroid. Based on our database of a few thousand light curves of minor planets, the population of similar-sized objects in the main belt is estimated to 6 ± 3 percent in the 10–50 km diameter class.

ABSTRACT Aims. We present evidence that four minor planets of the main belt are binary systems. Methods. These discoveries are based on CCD photometric measurements,made,by many,observers coordinated in a network of observatories. Results. Orbital and physical properties are derived from a total of 134 partial light curves involving 26 stations. (854) Frostia, (1089) Tama, (1313) Berna, and (4492) Debussy show mutual eclipses features on their light curves. In all cases, rotation and revolution are synchronous. Synodic periods are 37.728, 16.444, 25.464 and 26.606 h respectively. From a simple model, we have derived their bulk densities as follows: 0.89 ± 0.14, 2.52 ± 0.30, 1.22 ± 0.15 and 0.91 ± 0.10 g cm,3 respectively. Uncertainties in the bulk densities, arising from scattering and shadow effects are not taken into account. These could increase the density estimates by a factor up to 1.6. Our method,of determining bulk density is completely independent,of their mass and their diameter estimates. The low rotational periods and the low bulk densities clearly imply a collisional process to explain this kind of binary asteroid. Based on our database of a few thousand light curves of minor planets, the population of similar-sized objects in the main belt is estimated to 6 ± 3 percent in the 10–50 km diameter class. Key words. planets and satellites: formation – minor planets, asteroids – techniques: photometric