[IAUC] CBET 1382: 20080522 : 2008 HJ

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                                                  Electronic Telegram No. 1382
Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams
INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION
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2008 HJ
     R. Miles, Stourton Caundle, Dorset, UK, reports that photometric
observations of minor planet 2008 HJ (cf. MPEC 2008-H26, MPO 139312),
obtained using the 2.0-m Faulkes Telescope South during Apr. 28-29, reveal
that this Apollo-type object has the shortest known rotation period of any
natural body in the solar system at 42.67 +/- 0.04 s.  It exhibits a light
curve comprised of two similar maxima and minima with an amplitude of 0.8 mag.
Assuming an absolute magnitude of H = 25.8 and a geometric albedo of 0.2,
2008 HJ has presumed approximate dimensions 12 x 24 m.  The fastest
previously known rotator was 2000 DO8, which has a rotation period of 78 s
(Whiteley et al. 2002, Icarus 157, 139).


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                         (C) Copyright 2008 CBAT
2008 May 22                      (CBET 1382)              Daniel W. E. Green