On a Possible Rotation State of (433) Eros

Abstract

Due to its extremely prolate figure, Asteroid (433) Eros may exhibit an unusual nonprincipal axis rotation state. As a result of a relatively small difference between the maximum and intermediate moments of inertia, a small perturbation such as the gravitational torques experienced during a close planetary encounter could have induced a rather large amplitude libration about the longest axis. Observation of such a state will permit measurement of the moment of inertia ratios; this task may be possible once the NEAR spacecraft enters orbit around Eros in early 2000 to begin an extensive study of its composition and structure. © 1999 Academic Press.