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IAU/IAG Working Group (WG) on Cartographic Coordinates and Rotational Elements

Rotation and pole position for selected asteroids and comets

Tables: I - II - III - IV - V - VI

TABLE III

Recommended rotation values for the direction of the positive pole of rotation and the prime meridian of selected asteroids and comets.

d is the interval in days from the standard epoch, i.e. J2000.0 = 2000 January 1.5, i.e., JD 2451545.0 TT. α₀, δ₀, and W are as defined in the text.

243	Ida	α₀ = 168°.76
		δ₀ = -2°.88
		W = 265°.95 - 1864°.6280070d	(a)
951	Gaspra	α₀ = 9°.47
		δ₀ = 26°.70
		W = 83°.67 + 1226°.9114850d	(b)
4	Vesta	α₀ = 301°
		δ₀ = 41°
		W = 292° + 1617°.332776d
433	Eros	α₀ = 11°.35 ± 0.02
		δ₀ = 17°.22 ± 0.02
		W = 326°.07 + 1639°.38864745d
6489	Golevka	α₀ = 228°
		δ₀ = 33°
		W = 000° + 59°.712d	(c)
19P/	Borrelly	α₀ = 218°.5 ± 3
		δ₀ = -12°.5 ± 3
		W = 000° + 390°.0d	(c)

(a) The 0° meridian is defined by the crater Afon.

(b) The 0° meridian is defined by the crater Charax.

(c) Since only rotation rate information is available, the 0° meridian is currently arbitrarily defined with W₀ = 0°.