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.
Analysis of the shape distribution of asteroids
PAOLICCHI, PAOLO
1984-01-01
Abstract
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.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
