Internal structure and physical properties of the Asteroid 2008 TC3 inferred from a study of the Almahata Sitta meteorites

The density measurements of Almahata Sitta ureilites reveal a bulk density of ∼3.1 g/cm3. This value, together with the 2008 TC3 asteroid shape model and albedo, was used to estimate the asteroid’s mass. Based on the study of recovered meteorites and atmospheric entry observations Asteroid 2008 TC3 is compositionally heterogeneous and of low mechanical strength. Thus we consider the presence of significant macroporosity likely, lowering asteroid’s bulk density compared to that of the Almahata Sitta ureilites. Most realistic albedos lie in a range of 0.09-0.2 and the presence of significant macroporosity leads to mass estimates below 20 × 103 kg, which is lower than previously estimated. The presence of a non-ureilitic fraction and space weathering may affect the albedo and also influence the mass estimates. However, from current data it is not possible to quantify this effect.

Research highlights► Limits on the physical properties of Asteroid 2008 TC3 are presented based on its shape model and Almahata Sitta meteorite measurements. ► Results indicate the mass of Asteroid 2008 TC3 to be probably below 20 × 103 kg. ► This estimate is significantly lower compared to previous studies.