The Formation and Evolution of Ordinary Chondrite Parent Bodies
Abstract
Ordinary chondrites (OCs) are by far the most abundant meteorites (80% of all falls). Their origin has long been the matter of a heated debate. About 30 years ago (e.g., Pellas, 1988), it was proposed that OCs should originate from S-type bodies (the most abundant asteroid spectral types in the inner part of the asteroid belt), but the apparent discrepancy between S-type asteroid and OC reflectance spectra generated what was known as the S-type/OC conundrum. This paradox has gradually been resolved over the years. It is now understood that space weathering processes are responsible for the spectral mismatch between S-type bodies and OCs. Furthermore, both telescopic observations and the first asteroid sample return mission (Hayabusa) indicate that most S-type bodies have mineralogies similar to those of OCs. Importantly, the S-type/OC link, which has remained sterile for more than 30 years, has been delivering fundamental constraints on the formation and evolution of planetesimals over the recent years.
- Publication:
-
Asteroids IV
- Pub Date:
- 2015
- DOI:
- 10.2458/azu_uapress_9780816532131-ch032
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1611.08734
- Bibcode:
- 2015aste.book..617V
- Keywords:
-
- Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- Book chapter