Internal structure and physical properties of the Asteroid 2008 TC3 inferred from a study of the Almahata Sitta meteorites

The density measurements of Almahata Sitta ureilites reveal a bulk density of a arrow right 43.1g/cm3. This value, together with the 2008 TC3 asteroid shape model and albedo, was used to estimate the asteroid's mass. Based on the study of recovered meteorites and atmospheric entry observations...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Icarus (New York, N.Y. 1962) N.Y. 1962), 2011-04, Vol.212 (2), p.697-700
Main Authors: KOHOUT, T, KIURU, R, MONTONEN, M, SCHEIRICH, P, BRITT, D, MACKE, R, CONSOLMAGNO, G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomy
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Solar system
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Summary:The density measurements of Almahata Sitta ureilites reveal a bulk density of a arrow right 43.1g/cm3. This value, together with the 2008 TC3 asteroid shape model and albedo, was used to estimate the asteroid's mass. Based on the study of recovered meteorites and atmospheric entry observations Asteroid 2008 TC3 is compositionally heterogeneous and of low mechanical strength. Thus we consider the presence of significant macroporosity likely, lowering asteroid's bulk density compared to that of the Almahata Sitta ureilites. Most realistic albedos lie in a range of 0.09-0.2 and the presence of significant macroporosity leads to mass estimates below 20A-103 kg, which is lower than previously estimated. The presence of a non-ureilitic fraction and space weathering may affect the albedo and also influence the mass estimates. However, from current data it is not possible to quantify this effect.
ISSN:0019-1035
1090-2643
DOI:10.1016/j.icarus.2011.01.037