Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2006-03-06
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
17 pages, 1 figure, 6 tables; Asteroids, Comets, Meteors 2005, Proceedings IAU Symposium 229
Scientific paper
10.1017/S1743921305006812
The discovery of binaries in each of the major populations of minor bodies in the solar system is propelling a rapid growth of heretofore unattainable physical information. The availability of mass and density constraints for minor bodies opens the door to studies of internal structure, comparisons with meteorite samples, and correlations between bulk- physical and surface-spectral properties. The number of known binaries is now more than 70 and is growing rapidly. The relative sizes and separations of binaries in the different minor body populations point to more than one mechanism for forming bound pairs. Collisions appear to play a major role in the Main Belt. Rotational and/or tidal fission may be important in the Near Earth population. For the Kuiper Belt, capture in multi-body interactions may be the preferred formation mechanism. High angular resolution observations from space and from the ground are critical for detection of the relatively distant binaries in the Main Belt and the Kuiper Belt. Radar has been the most productive method for detection of Near Earth binaries. Lightcurve analysis is an independent technique that is capable of exploring phase space inaccessible to direct observations. Finally, spacecraft flybys have played a crucial paradigm-changing role with discoveries that unlocked this now-burgeoning field.
No associations
LandOfFree
Solar System Binaries 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 Solar System Binaries, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Solar System Binaries will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-43938