New Findings About Eros
Abstract
The principal results of astrophysical observations of Eros during its near approach to earth (1974-1975) are reported. During this period Eros brightened to magnitude 7, and wide variations in its aspect and solar phase angle (9 to 44 deg) made conditions exceptionally favorable to observation. Analyses by photometric observers reveal that Eros may be modeled by a prolate spheroid with the longest dimension between 2.3 and 3.0 times the shortest. Rotation is in the direct sense. The longest diameter, based on infrared and radar results and on measurements of the polarization of reflected sunlight, is 36-37 km. The geometric albedo is about 20%. Radar results indicate surface irregularities on the scale of centimeters. The optically dominant materials in Eros are ferromagnesium silicates and free iron.
- Publication:
-
Sky and Telescope
- Pub Date:
- December 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975S&T....50..376Z
- Keywords:
-
- Asteroids;
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Radar Measurement;
- Electrophotometry;
- Infrared Astronomy;
- Light Curve;
- Optical Polarization;
- Optical Reflection;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration