Physics
Scientific paper
Jan 1996
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996eiaf.conf...32t&link_type=abstract
Workshop on Evolution of Igneous Asteroids: Focus on Vesta and the HED Meteorites, p. 32
Physics
1
Topography, Vesta Asteroid, Spheroids, Meteorites, Hubble Space Telescope
Scientific paper
HST images obtained at scales of 52 km/pixel in 1994 have been used to determine the spin pole, size, and shape of Vesta. Several surface bright and dark features allow control-point stereogrammetric measurement of spin-pole orientation. An independent solution of the spin pole and shape can be made from the limb and terminator coordinates. A combined control point and limb solution for Vesta's rotation pole is at alpha0 = 308 degrees +/- 10 degrees, Delta0 = 48 degrees +/- 10 degrees; J2000. Its shape can be fit by an ellipsoid of radii 280, 272, 227 (+/-12) km. The mean density of Vesta from the mass reported by Schubart and Matson is 3.8 +/- 0.6 g/cc. For this density Vesta's shape is close to that of a Maclaurin spheroid with superposed variations of -15 km. The departures from an ellipsoidal shape are well within the sizes expected of crateting events responsible for ejection of the HED meteorites. HST data from 1996 will allow substantial refinement of the shape and topography of Vesta. of the shape and topography of Vesta.
Binzel Richard P.
Gaffey Michael J.
Storrs Alex D.
Thomas Peter C.
Wells Earl
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