Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://research.matf.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1204
Title: Low thermal conductivity of the superfast rotator (499998) 2011 PT
Authors: Fenucci, Marco
Novaković, Bojan 
Vokrouhlicky, David
Weryk, Robert J.
Affiliations: Astronomy 
Keywords: Methods: statistical;Minor planets, asteroids: general;Minor planets, asteroids: individual: (499998) 2011 PT
Issue Date: 2021
Rank: M21
Journal: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Abstract: 
Context. Asteroids with a diameter of up to a few dozen meters may spin very fast and complete an entire rotation within a few minutes. These small and fast-rotating bodies are thought to be monolithic objects because the gravitational force due to their small size is not strong enough to counteract the strong centripetal force caused by the fast rotation. This argument means that the rubble-pile structure is not feasible for these objects. Additionally, it is not clear whether the fast spin prevents dust and small particles (regolith) from being kept on their surface. Aims. We develop a model for constraining the thermal conductivity of the surface of the small, fast-rotating near-Earth asteroids. This model may suggest whether regolith is likely present on these objects. Methods. Our approach is based on the comparison of the measured Yarkovsky drift and a predicted value using a theoretical model that depends on the orbital, physical and thermal parameters of the object. The necessary parameters are either deduced from statistical distribution derived for near-Earth asteroids population or determined from observations with associated uncertainty. With this information, we performed Monte Carlo simulations and produced a probability density distribution for the thermal conductivity. Results. Applying our model to the superfast rotator asteroid (499998) 2011 PT, we find that the measured Yarkovsky drift can only be achieved when the thermal conductivity K of the surface is low. The resulting probability density function for the conductivity is bimodal, with two most likely values being around 0.0001 and 0.005 W m-1 K-1. Based on this, we find that the probability that K is lower than 0.1 W m-1 K-1 is at least 95%. This low thermal conductivity might indicate that the surface of 2011 PT is covered with a thermal insulating layer, composed of a regolith-like material similar to lunar dust.
URI: https://research.matf.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1204
ISSN: 00046361
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202039628
Appears in Collections:Research outputs

Show full item record

SCOPUSTM   
Citations

8
checked on Dec 21, 2024

Page view(s)

18
checked on Dec 24, 2024

Google ScholarTM

Check

Altmetric

Altmetric


Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.