39741 Komm

39741 Komm is a stony asteroid and eccentric Mars-crosser from the innermost regions of the asteroid belt, approximately 2 kilometers in diameter. It was discovered on 9 January 1997, by American astronomer Roy Tucker at Goodricke-Pigott Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The asteroid was named for American helioseismologist Rudolf Komm.

Orbit and classification

Komm orbits the Sun in the inner main-belt at a distance of 1.4–2.9 AU once every 3 years and 3 months. Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.35 and an inclination of 6° with respect to the ecliptic. As no precoveries were taken, the asteroid's observation arc begins with its official discovery observation.

Physical characteristics

Rotation and shape

In October 2009, the first and so far only rotational lightcurve of Komm was obtained by French amateur astronomer René Roy. It gave a well-defined rotation period of hours with a high brightness variation of 0.83 magnitude, indicative of a non-spheroidal shape.

Diameter and albedo

The Collaborative Asteroid Lightcurve Link assumes a standard albedo for stony asteroids of 0.20 and calculates a diameter of 2.15 kilometers with an absolute magnitude of 15.7.

Naming

This minor planet was named after Rudolf Walter Komm, an American helioseismologist, who contributed in the study of solar activity. The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 6 August 2003.