[5] It orbits the Sun in the central main-belt at a distance of 2.2–3.2 AU once every 4 years and 6 months (1,629 days).
[4] In the Tholen classification, Atkinson is similar to a dark D-type asteroid, though with an unusual spectrum (DU).
[1] This strongly disagrees with the albedo obtained by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), which indicates that is rather a stony S-type asteroid.
[3] This minor planet was named after British astronomer, physicist and inventor, Robert d'Escourt Atkinson (1898–1982), noted for his contributions to fundamental astronomy.
[2] The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 15 October 1977 (M.P.C.