NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003B-0135
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003B-0135 |
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PI: Richard P. Binzel, MIT, rpb@mit.edu
Address: Earth, Atmospheric, Planetary Sciences, MS 54-410, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
CoI: Andy Rivkin, MIT
Title: Discovery of Possible Mars-Crossing Asteroid Families
Abstract:
Clusters of spectrally similar asteroids in Mars-crossing orbits
that may be 'families' have been discovered from data obtained by the
P.I. in a recently completed reconnaissance program conducted using the
KPNO 4m. Follow-up measurements are needed to refute/confirm the
significance of this clustering. If confirmed, these 'families' most
likely represent outcomes of catastrophic collisions capable of feeding
asteroids and meteorite material to the vicinity of Earth. They would
be the first known 'families' outside of the main-belt, and one would be
the first known family composed of differentiated material.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003B-0135 |
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