Hermes: The Lost And Found Asteroid – A Profile

Introduction

Hermes is a fascinating asteroid that has been a subject of interest for astronomers for decades. It was named after the Greek god of commerce and thieves, Hermes. This asteroid, which belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids, has an interesting story of discovery, loss, and rediscovery, making it a truly unique celestial object. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of Hermes, exploring its physical characteristics, history, and cultural significance.

Physical Characteristics of Hermes

Size and Orbit

Hermes has an estimated diameter of 800-1900 meters, making it a relatively small asteroid. It orbits the Sun every 2.1 years at a distance of 1.04-1.7 AU, with an eccentricity of 0.66, which means its orbit is highly elliptical. Its orbital inclination is 6.3 degrees, which is slightly tilted compared to the plane of the solar system.

Surface Features

Although it has not been studied in detail like other asteroids, Hermes has been observed to have a relatively bright surface, which indicates the presence of reflective minerals. It also displays a high variation of brightness, indicating that its surface is uneven and irregular. Radar observations of Hermes have revealed that it has a slightly elongated shape, which could be due to a past collision or the way it was formed.

Composition

The exact composition of Hermes is still unknown, but it is believed to be a rocky object with a mixture of silicate minerals and carbonaceous material. Spectroscopic observations have shown that it has a low albedo, which means it reflects only a small fraction of sunlight that falls on its surface. This suggests the presence of dark, carbon-rich minerals, which are common in asteroids known as carbonaceous chondrites.

Discovery and Rediscovery of Hermes

Discovery

Hermes was first observed on October 28, 1937, by Karl Reinmuth, a German astronomer who was using photographic plates to search for new asteroids. He initially named it after his wife, but the name was later changed to Hermes, the Greek god of commerce and thieves. Hermes was the first asteroid to be discovered using modern electronic computing methods, which enabled its orbit to be calculated with far greater precision than had been possible before. However, after its discovery, it was not seen again for almost 60 years.

Rediscovery

In 2003, a team of astronomers led by Brian A. Skiff rediscovered Hermes using the Spacewatch telescope in Arizona. The astronomers tracked the asteroid for several weeks and were able to confirm its identity by comparing its position to the original observations made in 1937. The rediscovery of Hermes was a major achievement for astronomers, as it provided them with an opportunity to study an asteroid that had been lost for several decades.

Importance of Rediscovery

The rediscovery of Hermes was significant because it demonstrated the importance of continued observation of asteroids. Many asteroids are only observed once or twice and then disappear from view, making it difficult to study their orbits and properties. By rediscovering Hermes, astronomers were able to refine its orbit and determine its size and composition, which would have been impossible without continued observation.

Cultural Significance of Hermes

Ancient Mythology

In Greek mythology, Hermes was the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers. He was also known as the messenger of the gods, as he was responsible for delivering messages from one god to another. The ancient Greeks believed that by invoking Hermes, they could gain his protection during their travels and commercial ventures. In modern times, the name Hermes has been used to refer to anything related to commerce, transportation, and communication.

Modern Culture

The rediscovery of Hermes in 2003 generated considerable media attention, and it has since been featured in numerous articles, books, and documentaries. The asteroid is also a popular subject in science fiction, with many authors featuring it in their stories. In the video game "EVE Online," players can mine asteroids, and Hermes is one of the varieties they can mine. Its rediscovery has inspired researchers to continue their search for other lost asteroids and comets.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the size of Hermes?

  It has an estimated diameter of 800-1900 meters.

• What is the composition of Hermes?

  Its exact composition is still unknown, but it is believed to be a rocky object with a mixture of silicate minerals and carbonaceous material.

• Why is the rediscovery of Hermes significant?

  The rediscovery of Hermes was significant because it demonstrated the importance of continued observation of asteroids and enabled astronomers to refine its orbit and determine its properties.

• What is the cultural significance of Hermes?

  Hermes was the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, and his name has since been used to refer to anything related to commerce, transportation, and communication. The rediscovery of Hermes has also inspired researchers to continue their search for other lost asteroids and comets.

• What is the eccentricity of Hermes' orbit?

  Its eccentricity is 0.66, which means its orbit is highly elliptical.

Conclusion

Hermes is a fascinating asteroid that has an interesting story of discovery, loss, and rediscovery. It has an estimated diameter of 800-1900 meters, and it orbits the Sun every 2.1 years at a distance of 1.04-1.7 AU. Its exact composition is still unknown, but it is believed to be a rocky object with a mixture of silicate minerals and carbonaceous material. The rediscovery of Hermes was significant because it demonstrated the importance of continued observation of asteroids and enabled astronomers to refine its orbit and determine its properties. Finally, the cultural significance of Hermes lies in its association with commerce, transportation, and communication, as well as its inspiration to researchers searching for lost asteroids and comets.

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Additional Resources

• NASA Solar System Exploration: Hermes
• JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 162173 Hermes (1937 UB)
• Sky & Telescope: Hermes Lost Again?

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