Near-Earth Object (NEO) properties

We adopted two approaches using 2 sets of variables as inputs to the G-mode method. In each approach, we analysed the available taxonomic distribution of resulting clusters to find potential correlations with several unique parameters that distinctively characterise NEOs. We then applied a dynamical model on the same clusters to trace their escape regions.

Approach 1 led us to obtain NEO clusters that can be linked to a primitive composition, and this result was further strengthened by the dynamical model, which mapped outer-belt sources as escape regions for these clusters. We remark the finding of a cluster akin to S-type NEOs in highly eccentric orbits during the same Approach 1. Two clusters: one with small NEOs in terrestrial-like orbits and one with relatively high inclinations were found to be common to both approaches.

Approach 2 revealed three clusters only separable by their arguments of perihelion and, together they compose the majority of known Atira asteroids. For an NEO whose orbit is relatively well determined, we propose a model to determine whether the taxonomy of an NEO is siliceous or primitive if the orbital elements of the NEO fall within the presented combinations of inclination, eccentricity and semi-major axis ranges.