The opposition effect and the surface structure of the asteroid 16 Psyche
Abstract
B, V photometry of the M-type asteroid 16 Psyche carried out in 1978 yields the ecliptic coordinates of its pole (lambda = 222 deg, beta = +4 deg) and improved values for its absolute magnitude (5.64 m) and diameter (270 km). A larger opposition effect is measured for Psyche than for any other asteroid or the moon. To explain this circumstance a qualitative model is proposed for the microstructure relief on this metallic asteroid: its surface layer is attributed to meteoritic bombardment, perhaps accompanied by an intrinsic magnetic field.
- Publication:
-
Pisma v Astronomicheskii Zhurnal
- Pub Date:
- April 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980PAZh....6..184L
- Keywords:
-
- Asteroids;
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Planetary Surfaces;
- Brightness;
- Iron Meteorites;
- Light Curve;
- Microstructure;
- Space Exploration;
- Surface Properties;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration