3040 Kozai

Kozai orbits the Sun in the inner main-belt at a distance of 1.5–2.2 AU once every 2 years and 6 months (912 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.20 and an inclination of 47° with respect to the ecliptic. On 10 January 2044, the asteroid will make a close approach to Mars, passing the Red Planet at a distance of . == Physical characteristics ==

In the SMASS classification, Kozai is a common S-type asteroid. As of 2017, little is known about its size, composition, albedo and rotation. With an absolute magnitude of 13.8, Kozai's diameter can be estimated to measure between 4 and 11 kilometers, for an assumed albedo in the range of 0.05–0.25. Since Kozai is a brighter S-type asteroid rather than a darker carbonaceous body, its diameter is on the lower end of NASA's generic conversion table, as the larger the body's diameter, the lower its albedo at a constant absolute magnitude. == Naming ==

This minor planet was named in honour of 20th-century Japanese astronomer Yoshihide Kozai, discoverer of the periodic comet D/1977 C1 (Skiff-Kosai) and of the Kozai mechanism. The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 2 July 1985 (). == References ==