Visible-wavelength spectroscopy of subkilometer-sized near-Earth asteroids with a low delta-v
Abstract
This paper provides a unique data set representing the taxonomic type of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) accessible by available spacecraft. The research on NEAs has entered upon a new phase, thanks to sample-return space explorations together with state-of-the-art large ground-based telescopes. We made observations of 13 asteroids with the Subaru, GEMINI-North, GEMINI-South, and Okayama 188 cm telescopes. Twelve of them have low delta-v orbits with the potential to be investigated by manned/unmanned spacecraft. Also, ten subkilometer-sized bodies are included among them, and are one of remarkable characteristics in terms of their evolutionary scenario. We have found that eleven asteroids are classified as S-complex, and one asteroid as the V-type. Most S-complex asteroids (eight out of eleven, ∼ 70%) have spectra similar to subgroups of Q- or Sq-type, suggesting that these objects are less matured by space weathering. We discuss the dominance of S-complex asteroids based on previous research.
- Publication:
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Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan
- Pub Date:
- June 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1093/pasj/psu041
- Bibcode:
- 2014PASJ...66...51K
- Keywords:
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- methods: observational;
- minor planets;
- asteroids: individual (near-Earth asteroids);
- techniques: spectroscopic