The shape distribution of asteroids, as indicated by light curve amplitudes, is compared to a similar distribution obtained for fragments generated in high-velocity impact experiments. By dividing the asteroids in three different classes (small objects, less than 100 km in diameter; asteroids larger than 200 km; Apollo-Amor objects), the authors show that only the first class agrees satisfactorily with the fragment distribution; large objects are considerably less elongated, suggesting that they have relaxed to symmetric equilibrium figures, while in the Apollo-Amor group a higher number of very elongated objects is present. These results are briefly discussed in the framework of the current ideas on the collisional evolution of asteroids.
Autori interni: | |
Autori: | Catullo V.; Zappala V.; Farinella P.; Paolicchi P. |
Titolo: | Analysis of the shape distribution of asteroids |
Anno del prodotto: | 1984 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 1.1 Articolo in rivista |