AVAST survey 0.4–1.0 μm spectroscopy of igneous asteroids in the inner and middle main belt

We present the spectra of 60 asteroids, including 47 V-types observed during the first phase of the Adler V-Type Asteroid (AVAST) Survey. SDSS photometry was used to select candidate V-type asteroids for follow up by nature of their very blue i–z color. 47 of the 61 observed candidates were positively classified as V-type asteroids, while an additional six show indications of a 0.9 μm feature consistent with V-type spectra, but not sufficient for formal classification. Four asteroids were found to be S-type, all of which had i–z values very near the adopted AVAST selection criteria of i–z ⩽ −0.2, including one candidate observed well outside the cut (at a mean i–z of −0.11). Three A-type asteroids were also identified. Six V-type asteroids were observed beyond the 3:1 mean motion resonance with Jupiter, including the identification of two new V-type asteroids (63085 and 105041) at this distance. Six V-type asteroids were observed with low (<5°) orbital inclination, outside of the normal dynamical range of classic Vestoids, and are suggestive of a non-Vesta origin for at least some of the population.

► 61 Asteroids were observed during the first phase of the Adler V-Type Asteroid (AVAST) Survey. ► 47 of the 61 observed candidates were spectroscopically classified as V-type asteroids. ► Three A-type asteroids were also identified. ► 6 V-type asteroids were identified beyond the 3:1 mean motion resonance with Jupiter. ► 6 V-type asteroids were found with low (<5°) inclination.