130 ELEKTRA

'130 Elektra' is a very large outer main belt asteroid. It was discovered by C. H. F. Peters on February 17, 1873 and named after Electra, an avenger in Greek mythology. Its spectrum is of the G type, hence it probably has a Ceres-like composition. Spectral signatures of organic compounds have been seen on Elektra's surface ''Organic Matter on Asteroid 130 Elektra'', , , , Science, 1987 . Recent optical observations have found a satellite (see below). Using its orbit, Elektra's mass can be reliably found. The value of 1.3 kg indicates an unusually high density (for asteroids) of 3.8 ± 0.3 g/cm³. Optical observations have also determined that Elektra's shape is quite irregular, as well as giving indications of albedo differences of 5-15% on its surface. This is uncommon, and corroborates with Elektra's high density to indicate that it is probably a solid, rather than fractured or rubble pile, body. Contents Satellite (S/2003 (130) 1) References External links Satellite (S/2003 (130) 1)

In 2003, a small moon of Elektra was detected using the Keck II telescope. The diameter of the satellite is 4 km and it orbits at a distance of about 1170 km. The satellite has been given the provisional designation 'S/2003 (130) 1'. Due to only a few observations to date, its orbit is still relatively loosely constrained 130 Elektra and S/2003 (130) 1'', orbit data website maintained by F. Marchis..

References

1. IAUC 8183
2. Assuming a similar density to the primary.
3. Discovery Circumstances: Numbered Minor Planets, Minor Planet Centre
4. [ftp://ftp.lowell.edu/pub/elgb/astorb.html ASTORB] orbital elements database, Lowell Observatory
5. Error estimate derived from consideration of $M\; propto\; a^3/P^2$ and given errors in ''a'' and ''P''. See propagation of uncertainty.

External links

★ ''130 Elektra and S/2003 (130) 1'', orbit data website maintained by F. Marchis. Includes adaptive optics image of primary, and satellite orbit diagram.

★ Data on (130) Elektra from Johnston's archive (maintained by W. R. Johnston)