On the Asteroidal Conductivities as Inferred from Meteorites
Abstract
Solar wind interactions with planetary bodies without intrinsic magnetic fields depend to a large extent on the electrical conductivities of the objects in question. If the combined (i.e., ionospheric and interior) electrical conductivities are large, as in the case of Venus, the solar wind interaction is strong due to the generation of a large electrical current flow. It is suggested here that a similar interaction may occur at some asteroids, if their interior conductivity can be approximated by the conductivities of carbonaceous or iron-bearing meteorites. This interaction, in turn, can be used as a tool for remote sensing of the asteroidal interior properties in a spacecraft mission to asteroids.
- Publication:
-
Moon and Planets
- Pub Date:
- February 1983
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF01371671
- Bibcode:
- 1983M&P....28...43I
- Keywords:
-
- Asteroids;
- Carbonaceous Meteorites;
- Electrical Resistivity;
- Solar Planetary Interactions;
- Solar Wind;
- Chondrites;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration; Asteroids