Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Sep 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008dps....40.2205t&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #40, #22.05; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 40, p.426
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
The relationship between S-type asteroids and ordinary chondrites is often debated. However, Q-types have been shown to display the best spectral match to ordinary chondrites (McFadden et al. 1985). Binzel et al. (2004) statistically demonstrated a trend in spectral slope in near-Earth objects from 0.1 to 5 km. This analysis provided a missing link between the Q- and S-type by showing a reddening of spectral slope with larger diameter that corresponds to a transition from Q-type asteroid spectra to S-type asteroid spectra. This reddening of spectral slope is attributed to the effects of space weathering on the observable surface composition. Collisional lifetimes of asteroids of varying sizes allow for an approximate timescale for space weathering saturation to be revealed. Using the Magellan telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory, we have begun a photometric survey of small Koronis family members. Observations of these objects were obtained in visible and near-infrared Sloan filters. Due to their common origin, Koronis family members have shown similar S-type spectroscopic signatures. We assume this consistency applies to the small unclassified bodies. This provides a unique opportunity to compare the effects of the space weathering process on potentially ordinary chondrite-like bodies within a population of identical initial conditions. By examining a size range similar to the Binzel et al. work we hope to compare the slope reddening transition sizes within the near-Earth population and the main-belt. This data set should prove crucial to our understanding of the space weathering process and its relevant timescales.
Binzel Richard P.
Rivkin Andrew S.
Thomas Cristina A.
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