Spin-vector distribution of asteroids - the role of the YORP thermal effect

Other

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

More than 300 asteroid shape models were derived by the lightcurve inversion method so far. These models represent the biggest sample of spin-vector parameters of asteroids determined by a single method. We present a simple statistical analysis of spin vectors for these asteroid models. We look for possible correlations between various physical parameters with an emphasis on the spin vector. In order to explain the observed spin-axis distribution, we investigate the bias of the lightcurve inversion method and present a simple theoretical model for the long-term evolution of spins. From this analysis, we find that the latitude distribution of small asteroids (D < 30 km) is clustered towards ecliptic poles and can be explained by the YORP thermal effect. On the other hand, the latitude distribution of larger asteroids (D > 60 km) exhibits an evident excess of prograde rotators, probably of primordial origin. The distribution of ecliptic longitudes seems to be isotropic.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Spin-vector distribution of asteroids - the role of the YORP thermal effect does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Spin-vector distribution of asteroids - the role of the YORP thermal effect, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Spin-vector distribution of asteroids - the role of the YORP thermal effect will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1477521

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.