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  • 1
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    The impact crater at the origin of the Julia family detected with VLT/SPHERE?
    EDP Sciences ; 2018
    In:  Astronomy & Astrophysics Vol. 618 ( 2018-10), p. A154-
    Details
    In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, EDP Sciences, Vol. 618 ( 2018-10), p. A154-
    Abstract: Context. The vast majority of the geophysical and geological constraints (e.g., internal structure, cratering history) for main-belt asteroids have so far been obtained via dedicated interplanetary missions (e.g., ESA Rosetta, NASA Dawn). The high angular resolution of SPHERE/ZIMPOL, the new-generation visible adaptive-optics camera at ESO VLT, implies that these science objectives can now be investigated from the ground for a large fraction of D ≥ 100 km main-belt asteroids. The sharp images acquired by this instrument can be used to accurately constrain the shape and thus volume of these bodies (hence density when combined with mass estimates) and to characterize the distribution and topography of D ≥ 30 km craters across their surfaces. Aims. Here, via several complementary approaches, we evaluated the recently proposed hypothesis that the S-type asteroid (89) Julia is the parent body of a small compact asteroid family that formed via a cratering collisional event. Methods. We observed (89) Julia with VLT/SPHERE/ZIMPOL throughout its rotation, derived its 3D shape, and performed a reconnaissance and characterization of the largest craters. We also performed numerical simulations to first confirm the existence of the Julia family and to determine its age and the size of the impact crater at its origin. Finally, we utilized the images/3D shape in an attempt to identify the origin location of the small collisional family. Results. On the one hand, our VLT/SPHERE observations reveal the presence of a large crater ( D ~ 75 km) in Julia’s southern hemisphere. On the other hand, our numerical simulations suggest that (89) Julia was impacted 30–120 Myrs ago by a D ~ 8 km asteroid, thereby creating a D ≥ 60 km impact crater at the surface of Julia. Given the small size of the impactor, the obliquity of Julia and the particular orientation of the family in the (a,i) space, the imaged impact crater is likely to be the origin of the family. Conclusions. New doors into ground-based asteroid exploration, namely, geophysics and geology, are being opened thanks to the unique capabilities of VLT/SPHERE. Also, the present work may represent the beginning of a new era of asteroid-family studies. In the fields of geophysics, geology, and asteroid family studies, the future will only get brighter with the forthcoming arrival of 30–40 m class telescopes like ELT, TMT, and GMT.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0004-6361 , 1432-0746
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201833477
    RVK:
    UA 1000
    RVK:
    US 1090
    Language: English
    Publisher: EDP Sciences
    Publication Date: 2018
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1458466-9
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  • 2
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    The shape of (7) Iris as evidence of an ancient large impact?
    EDP Sciences ; 2019
    In:  Astronomy & Astrophysics Vol. 624 ( 2019-4), p. A121-
    Details
    In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, EDP Sciences, Vol. 624 ( 2019-4), p. A121-
    Abstract: Context. Asteroid (7) Iris is an ideal target for disk-resolved imaging owing to its brightness ( V ~ 7–8) and large angular size of 0.33′′ during its apparitions. Iris is believed to belong to the category of large unfragmented asteroids that avoided internal differentiation, implying that its current shape and topography may record the first few 100 Myr of the solar system’s collisional evolution. Aims. We recovered information about the shape and surface topography of Iris from disk-resolved VLT/SPHERE/ZIMPOL images acquired in the frame of our ESO large program. Methods. We used the All-Data Asteroid Modeling ( ADAM ) shape reconstruction algorithm to model the 3D shape of Iris, using optical disk-integrated data and disk-resolved images from SPHERE and earlier AO systems as inputs. We analyzed the SPHERE images and our model to infer the asteroid’s global shape and the morphology of its main craters. Results. We present the 3D shape, volume-equivalent diameter D eq = 214 ± 5 km, and bulk density ρ = 2.7 ± 0.3 g cm −3 of Iris. Its shape appears to be consistent with that of an oblate spheroid with a large equatorial excavation. We identified eight putative surface features 20–40 km in diameter detected at several epochs, which we interpret as impact craters, and several additional crater candidates. Craters on Iris have depth-to-diameter ratios that are similar to those of analogous 10 km craters on Vesta. Conclusions. The bulk density of Iris is consistent with that of its meteoritic analog based on spectroscopic observations, namely LL ordinary chondrites. Considering the absence of a collisional family related to Iris and the number of large craters on its surface, we suggest that its equatorial depression may be the remnant of an ancient (at least 3 Gyr) impact. Iris’s shape further opens the possibility that large planetesimals formed as almost perfect oblate spheroids. Finally, we attribute the difference in crater morphology between Iris and Vesta to their different surface gravities, and the absence of a substantial impact-induced regolith on Iris.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0004-6361 , 1432-0746
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201834541
    RVK:
    UA 1000
    RVK:
    US 1090
    Language: English
    Publisher: EDP Sciences
    Publication Date: 2019
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1458466-9
    SSG: 16,12
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  • 3
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    Evidence for differentiation of the most primitive small bodies
    EDP Sciences ; 2021
    In:  Astronomy & Astrophysics Vol. 650 ( 2021-6), p. A129-
    Details
    In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, EDP Sciences, Vol. 650 ( 2021-6), p. A129-
    Abstract: Context. Dynamical models of Solar System evolution have suggested that the so-called P- and D-type volatile-rich asteroids formed in the outer Solar System beyond Neptune’s orbit and may be genetically related to the Jupiter Trojans, comets, and small Kuiper belt objects (KBOs). Indeed, the spectral properties of P- and D-type asteroids resemble that of anhydrous cometary dust. Aims. We aim to gain insights into the above classes of bodies by characterizing the internal structure of a large P- and D-type asteroid. Methods. We report high-angular-resolution imaging observations of the P-type asteroid (87) Sylvia with the Very Large Telescope Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (SPHERE) instrument. These images were used to reconstruct the 3D shape of Sylvia. Our images together with those obtained in the past with large ground-based telescopes were used to study the dynamics of its two satellites. We also modeled Sylvia’s thermal evolution. Results. The shape of Sylvia appears flattened and elongated (a/b ~1.45; a/c ~1.84). We derive a volume-equivalent diameter of 271 ± 5 km and a low density of 1378 ± 45 kg m −3 . The two satellites orbit Sylvia on circular, equatorial orbits. The oblateness of Sylvia should imply a detectable nodal precession which contrasts with the fully-Keplerian dynamics of its two satellites. This reveals an inhomogeneous internal structure, suggesting that Sylvia is differentiated. Conclusions. Sylvia’s low density and differentiated interior can be explained by partial melting and mass redistribution through water percolation. The outer shell should be composed of material similar to interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) and the core should be similar to aqueously altered IDPs or carbonaceous chondrite meteorites such as the Tagish Lake meteorite. Numerical simulations of the thermal evolution of Sylvia show that for a body of such a size, partial melting was unavoidable due to the decay of long-lived radionuclides. In addition, we show that bodies as small as 130–150 km in diameter should have followed a similar thermal evolution, while smaller objects, such as comets and the KBO Arrokoth, must have remained pristine, which is in agreement with in situ observations of these bodies. NASA Lucy mission target (617) Patroclus (diameter ≈140 km) may, however, be differentiated.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0004-6361 , 1432-0746
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202140342
    RVK:
    UA 1000
    RVK:
    US 1090
    Language: English
    Publisher: EDP Sciences
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1458466-9
    SSG: 16,12
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  • 4
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    Properties of slowly rotating asteroids from the Convex Inversion Thermophysical Model
    EDP Sciences ; 2021
    In:  Astronomy & Astrophysics Vol. 654 ( 2021-10), p. A87-
    Details
    In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, EDP Sciences, Vol. 654 ( 2021-10), p. A87-
    Abstract: Context. Recent results for asteroid rotation periods from the TESS mission showed how strongly previous studies have underestimated the number of slow rotators, revealing the importance of studying those targets. For most slowly rotating asteroids (those with P 〉 12 h), no spin and shape model is available because of observation selection effects. This hampers determination of their thermal parameters and accurate sizes. Also, it is still unclear whether signatures of different surface material properties can be seen in thermal inertia determined from mid-infrared thermal flux fitting. Aims. We continue our campaign in minimising selection effects among main belt asteroids. Our targets are slow rotators with low light-curve amplitudes. Our goal is to provide their scaled spin and shape models together with thermal inertia, albedo, and surface roughness to complete the statistics. Methods. Rich multi-apparition datasets of dense light curves are supplemented with data from Kepler and TESS spacecrafts. In addition to data in the visible range, we also use thermal data from infrared space observatories (mainly IRAS, Akari and WISE) in a combined optimisation process using the Convex Inversion Thermophysical Model. This novel method has so far been applied to only a few targets, and therefore in this work we further validate the method itself. Results. We present the models of 16 slow rotators, including two updated models. All provide good fits to both thermal and visible data.The obtained sizes are on average accurate at the 5% precision level, with diameters found to be in the range from 25 to 145 km. The rotation periods of our targets range from 11 to 59 h, and the thermal inertia covers a wide range of values, from 2 to 〈 400 J m −2 s −1∕2 K −1 , not showing any correlation with the period. Conclusions. With this work we increase the sample of slow rotators with reliable spin and shape models and known thermal inertia by 40%. The thermal inertia values of our sample do not display a previously suggested increasing trend with rotation period, which mightbe due to their small skin depth.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0004-6361 , 1432-0746
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202140991
    RVK:
    UA 1000
    RVK:
    US 1090
    Language: English
    Publisher: EDP Sciences
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1458466-9
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  • 5
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    M-type (22) Kalliope: A tiny Mercury
    EDP Sciences ; 2022
    In:  Astronomy & Astrophysics Vol. 662 ( 2022-6), p. A71-
    Details
    In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, EDP Sciences, Vol. 662 ( 2022-6), p. A71-
    Abstract: Context. Asteroid (22) Kalliope is the second largest M-type asteroid in the main belt and is orbited by a satellite, Linus. Whereas the mass of Kalliope is already well constrained thanks to the presence of a moon, its volume is still poorly known, leading to uncertainties on its bulk density and internal structure. Aims. We aim to refine the shape of (22) Kalliope and thus its diameter and bulk density, as well as the orbit of its moon to better constrain its mass, hence density and internal structure. Methods. We acquired disk-resolved observations of (22) Kalliope using the VLT/SPHERE/ZIMPOL instrument to reconstruct its three-dimensional (3D) shape using three different modeling techniques. These images were also used together with new speckle observations at the C2PU/PISCO instrument as well as archival images from other large ground-based telescopes to refine the orbit of Linus. Results. The volume of (22) Kalliope given by the shape models, corresponding to D = 150 ± 5 km, and the mass constrained by its satellite’s orbit yield a density of ρ = 4.40 ± 0.46 g cm −3 . This high density potentially makes (22) Kalliope the densest known small body in the Solar System. A macroporosity in the 10–25% range (as expected for this mass and size), implies a grain density in the 4.8–5.9 g cm −3 range. Kalliope’s high bulk density, along with its silicate-rich surface implied by its low radar albedo, implies a differentiated interior with metal contributing to most of the mass of the body. Conclusions. Kalliope’s high metal content (40–60%) along with its metal-poor mantle makes it the smallest known Mercury-like body. A large impact at the origin of the formation of the moon Linus is likely the cause of its high metal content and density.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0004-6361 , 1432-0746
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202243200
    RVK:
    UA 1000
    RVK:
    US 1090
    Language: English
    Publisher: EDP Sciences
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1458466-9
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  • 6
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    Asteroid (16) Psyche’s primordial shape: A possible Jacobi ellipsoid
    EDP Sciences ; 2020
    In:  Astronomy & Astrophysics Vol. 638 ( 2020-06), p. L15-
    Details
    In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, EDP Sciences, Vol. 638 ( 2020-06), p. L15-
    Abstract: Context. Asteroid (16) Psyche is the largest M-type asteroid in the main belt and the target of the NASA Psyche mission. It is also the only asteroid of this size ( D   〉  200 km) known to be metal rich. Although various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the rather unique physical properties of this asteroid, a perfect understanding of its formation and bulk composition is still missing. Aims. We aim to refine the shape and bulk density of (16) Psyche and to perform a thorough analysis of its shape to better constrain possible formation scenarios and the structure of its interior. Methods. We obtained disk-resolved VLT/SPHERE/ZIMPOL images acquired within our ESO large program (ID 199.C-0074), which complement similar data obtained in 2018. Both data sets offer a complete coverage of Psyche’s surface. These images were used to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) shape of Psyche with two independent shape modeling algorithms ( MPCD and ADAM ). A shape analysis was subsequently performed, including a comparison with equilibrium figures and the identification of mass deficit regions. Results. Our 3D shape along with existing mass estimates imply a density of 4.20  ±  0.60 g cm −3 , which is so far the highest for a solar system object following the four telluric planets. Furthermore, the shape of Psyche presents small deviations from an ellipsoid, that is, prominently three large depressions along its equator. The flatness and density of Psyche are compatible with a formation at hydrostatic equilibrium as a Jacobi ellipsoid with a shorter rotation period of ∼3h. Later impacts may have slowed down Psyche’s rotation, which is currently ∼4.2 h, while also creating the imaged depressions. Conclusions. Our results open the possibility that Psyche acquired its primordial shape either after a giant impact while its interior was already frozen or while its interior was still molten owing to the decay of the short-lived radionuclide 26 Al.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0004-6361 , 1432-0746
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202038100
    RVK:
    UA 1000
    RVK:
    US 1090
    Language: English
    Publisher: EDP Sciences
    Publication Date: 2020
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1458466-9
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  • 7
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    A basin-free spherical shape as an outcome of a giant impact on asteroid Hygiea
    Springer Science and Business Media LLC ; 2019
    In:  Nature Astronomy Vol. 4, No. 2 ( 2019-10-28), p. 136-141
    Details
    In: Nature Astronomy, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 4, No. 2 ( 2019-10-28), p. 136-141
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2397-3366
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1038/s41550-019-0915-8
    Language: English
    Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Publication Date: 2019
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2879712-7
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  • 8
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    The equilibrium shape of (65) Cybele: primordial or relic of a large impact?
    EDP Sciences ; 2023
    In:  Astronomy & Astrophysics Vol. 670 ( 2023-2), p. A52-
    Details
    In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, EDP Sciences, Vol. 670 ( 2023-2), p. A52-
    Abstract: Context. Cybele asteroids constitute an appealing reservoir of primitive material genetically linked to the outer Solar System, and the physical properties (size and shape) of the largest members can be readily accessed by large (8m class) telescopes. Aims. We took advantage of the bright apparition of the most iconic member of the Cybele population, (65) Cybele, in July and August 2021 to acquire high-angular-resolution images and optical light curves of the asteroid with which we aim to analyse its shape and bulk properties. Methods. Eight series of images were acquired with VLT/SPHERE+ZIMPOL, seven of which were combined with optical light curves to reconstruct the shape of the asteroid using the ADAM , MPCD , and SAGE algorithms. The origin of the shape was investigated by means of N-body simulations. Results. Cybele has a volume-equivalent diameter of 263±3 km and a bulk density of 1.55 ± 0.19 g cm −3 . Notably, its shape and rotation state are closely compatible with those of a Maclaurin equilibrium figure. The lack of a collisional family associated with Cybele and the higher bulk density of that body with respect to other large P-type asteroids suggest that it never experienced any large disruptive impact followed by rapid re-accumulation. This would imply that its present-day shape represents the original one. However, numerical integration of the long-term dynamical evolution of a hypothetical family of Cybele shows that it is dispersed by gravitational perturbations and chaotic diffusion over gigayears of evolution. Conclusions. The very close match between Cybele and an equilibrium figure opens up the possibility that D ≥ 260 km ( M ≥ 1.5 × 10 19 kg) small bodies from the outer Solar System all formed at equilibrium. However, we cannot currently rule out an old impact as the origin of the equilibrium shape of Cybele. Cybele itself is found to be dynamically unstable, implying that it was ‘recently’ ( 〈 1 Gyr ago) placed on its current orbit either through slow diffusion from a relatively stable orbit in the Cybele region or, less likely, from an unstable, Jupiter-family-comet orbit in the planet-crossing region.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0004-6361 , 1432-0746
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202243859
    RVK:
    UA 1000
    RVK:
    US 1090
    Language: English
    Publisher: EDP Sciences
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1458466-9
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  • 9
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    (16) Psyche: A mesosiderite-like asteroid?
    EDP Sciences ; 2018
    In:  Astronomy & Astrophysics Vol. 619 ( 2018-11), p. L3-
    Details
    In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, EDP Sciences, Vol. 619 ( 2018-11), p. L3-
    Abstract: Context . Asteroid (16) Psyche is the target of the NASA Psyche mission. It is considered one of the few main-belt bodies that could be an exposed proto-planetary metallic core and that would thus be related to iron meteorites. Such an association is however challenged by both its near- and mid-infrared spectral properties and the reported estimates of its density. Aims . Here, we aim to refine the density of (16) Psyche to set further constraints on its bulk composition and determine its potential meteoritic analog. Methods . We observed (16) Psyche with ESO VLT/SPHERE/ZIMPOL as part of our large program (ID 199.C-0074). We used the high angular resolution of these observations to refine Psyche’s three-dimensional (3D) shape model and subsequently its density when combined with the most recent mass estimates. In addition, we searched for potential companions around the asteroid. Results . We derived a bulk density of 3.99 ± 0.26 g  cm −3 for Psyche. While such density is incompatible at the 3-sigma level with any iron meteorites (∼7.8 g  cm −3 ), it appears fully consistent with that of stony-iron meteorites such as mesosiderites (density ∼4.25 g  cm −3 ). In addition, we found no satellite in our images and set an upper limit on the diameter of any non-detected satellite of 1460 ± 200 m at 150 km from Psyche (0.2% × R Hill , the Hill radius) and 800 ± 200 m at 2000 km (3% × R Hill ). Conclusions . Considering that the visible and near-infrared spectral properties of mesosiderites are similar to those of Psyche, there is merit to a long-published initial hypothesis that Psyche could be a plausible candidate parent body for mesosiderites.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0004-6361 , 1432-0746
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201834091
    RVK:
    UA 1000
    RVK:
    US 1090
    Language: English
    Publisher: EDP Sciences
    Publication Date: 2018
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1458466-9
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  • 10
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    An advanced multipole model for (216) Kleopatra triple system
    EDP Sciences ; 2021
    In:  Astronomy & Astrophysics Vol. 653 ( 2021-9), p. A56-
    Details
    In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, EDP Sciences, Vol. 653 ( 2021-9), p. A56-
    Abstract: Aims. To interpret adaptive-optics observations of (216) Kleopatra, we need to describe an evolution of multiple moons orbiting an extremely irregular body and include their mutual interactions. Such orbits are generally non-Keplerian and orbital elements are not constants. Methods. Consequently, we used a modified N -body integrator, which was significantly extended to include the multipole expansion of the gravitational field up to the order ℓ = 10. Its convergence was verified against the ‘brute-force’ algorithm. We computed the coefficients C ℓm , S ℓm for Kleopatra’s shape, assuming a constant bulk density. For Solar System applications, it was also necessary to implement a variable distance and geometry of observations. Our χ 2 metric then accounts for the absolute astrometry, the relative astrometry (second moon with respect to the first), angular velocities, and silhouettes, constraining the pole orientation. This allowed us to derive the orbital elements of Kleopatra’s two moons. Results. Using both archival astrometric data and new VLT/SPHERE observations (ESO LP 199.C-0074), we were able to identify the true periods of the moons, P 1 = (1.822359 ± 0.004156) d, P 2 = (2.745820 ± 0.004820) d. They orbit very close to the 3:2 mean-motion resonance, but their osculating eccentricities are too small compared to other perturbations (multipole, mutual), meaning that regular librations of the critical argument are not present. The resulting mass of Kleopatra, m 1 = (1.49 ± 0.16) × 10 −12 M ⊙ or 2.97 × 10 18 kg, is significantly lower than previously thought. An implication explained in the accompanying paper is that (216) Kleopatra is a critically rotating body.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0004-6361 , 1432-0746
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202140901
    RVK:
    UA 1000
    RVK:
    US 1090
    Language: English
    Publisher: EDP Sciences
    Publication Date: 2021
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