Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1775630 | Icarus | 2008 | 11 Pages |
Abstract
Radar observations of 214 near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) reveal a very strong correlation of circular polarization ratio with visible–infrared taxonomic class, establishing distinct differences in the centimeter-to-several-decimeter structural complexity of objects in different spectral classes. The correlation may be due to the intrinsic mechanical properties of different mineralogical assemblages but also may reflect very different formation ages and collisional histories. The highest ratios are measured for groups associated with achondritic igneous rocky meteorites: the E class, whose parent body may be 3103 Eger, and the V class, derived from the mainbelt asteroid (and Dawn mission target) 4 Vesta.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Space and Planetary Science
Authors
Lance A.M. Benner, Steven J. Ostro, Christopher Magri, Michael C. Nolan, Ellen S. Howell, Jon D. Giorgini, Raymond F. Jurgens, Jean-Luc Margot, Patrick A. Taylor, Michael W. Busch, Michael K. Shepard,