The unusual minor planet 2012 HD2 was discovered on 2012, April 18 by J. V. Scotti with the 0.9-m f/3 reflector + CCD at Steward Observatory on Kitt Peak (see M.P.E.C. 2012-H32). according to the latest orbital solution available, this object moves along a comet-like orbit with an Inclination of 146.9 deg, Eccentricity = 0.96, Perihelion distance = 2.55 AU and Period = 668 years.
We performed some follow-up measurements of this object, while it was still on the neocp, remotely from the Siding Spring-Faulkes Telescope South on 2012, Apr. 19.4, through a 2.0-m f/10.0 Ritchey-Chretien + CCD. No cometary features are visible in our images, the object has the same aspect of the nearby field stars of similar brightness (FWHM= 1.2").
Below you can see an animation showing the movement of 2012 HD2. Click on the thumbnail for a bigger version:
We performed some follow-up measurements of this object, while it was still on the neocp, remotely from the Siding Spring-Faulkes Telescope South on 2012, Apr. 19.4, through a 2.0-m f/10.0 Ritchey-Chretien + CCD. No cometary features are visible in our images, the object has the same aspect of the nearby field stars of similar brightness (FWHM= 1.2").
Our confirmation image (click on it for a bigger version):
Below you can see an animation showing the movement of 2012 HD2. Click on the thumbnail for a bigger version:
by Ernesto Guido, Oliver Tunnah, Giovanni Sostero and Nick Howes
