Radar and Optical Characterization of Near-Earth Asteroid 2019 OK

Abstract

We conducted radar observations of near-Earth asteroid 2019 OK on 2019 July 25 using the Arecibo Observatory S-band (2380 MHz, 12.6 cm) planetary radar system. Based on Arecibo and optical observations the apparent diameter is between 70 and 130 m. Combined with an absolute magnitude of H = 23.3 ± 0.3, the optical albedo of 2019 OK is likely between 0.05 and 0.17. Our measured radar circular polarization ratio of μ C = 0.33 ± 0.03 indicates 2019 OK is likely not a V- or E-type asteroid and is most likely a C- or S-type. The measured radar echo bandwidth of 39 ± 2 Hz restricts the apparent rotation period to be approximately between 3 minutes (0.049 hr, D = 70 m) and 5 minutes (0.091 h, D = 130 m). Together, the apparent diameter and rotation period suggest that 2019 OK is likely not a rubble-pile body bound only by gravity. 2019 OK is one of a growing number of fast-rotating near-Earth asteroids that require some internal strength to keep them from breaking apart.