Interior structure of Bennu from OSIRIS-REx data
Abstract
The initial exploration of asteroid Bennu by the OSIRIS-REx mission has allowed the first detailed assessment of the properties of this asteroid, including its geophysical environment. The small offset between center of mass (COM) and center of figure (COF) indicates moderate interior density heterogeneity, which can be modeled using smooth density gradients. Initial analysis indicates a possible increase in surface density that appears to correlate to the distribution of preserved craters, and this correlation suggests a possible compaction underneath the craters. The measurement of the gravity field of Bennu, which is now underway, based on spacecraft tracking and possibly on the reconstruction of the trajectory of long-lived ejected particles, will allow us to further constrain its interior. This talk will present the latest results from the mission, using the best estimate of the gravity field available at the time of the conference, to provide limits on the magnitude and distribution of density heterogeneities, and whether they support the cratering compaction hypothesis.
- Publication:
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EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2019
- Pub Date:
- September 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019EPSC...13..547T