Asteroid close encounters and mutual perturbations

Abstract

Results of the search for close encounters with large asteroids in the last 20 yr are presented. A multistep selection procedure has been used, in combination with accurate numerical integration, to derive the parameters of the close encounters and to estimate their effects on the motion of the perturbed bodies. A total of 10 pairs of asteroids have been found to exhibit measurable effects, thus providing the opportunities for determination of asteroid masses.