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Asteroids - Spectral reflectance and color characteristics. IINew spectrophotometry for 31 asteroids, and improved data for nine previously observed, is presented, raising the total sample to 98. Several important new spectral types have been found. Asteroid 349 Dembowska is the first large main-belt asteroid found to resemble ordinary chondritic meteorites in spectral properties (it is similar to LL6 chondrites in pyroxene/olivine content). The first two measured Trojan asteroids show unusual spectra not compatible with carbonaceous chondrites or other known meteorites. The spectrum of Mars-crosser 887 Alinda is compatible with unequilibrated chondrites. Most fainter asteroids (especially those in the outer half of the belt) have flat spectra indicating probable carbonaceous composition. Compositional heterogeneity of Hirayama families is common among the 16 families studied to date. But individual asteroids seem to have remarkably uniform surface compositions, indicated by the usual lack of spectral changes with rotation. Spectra of a preliminary sample of proposed meteorite source-bodies are consistent with derivation of meteorites by proposed mechanisms, but further observations are needed.
Document ID
19750048048
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Mccord, T. B.
Chapman, C. R.
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1975
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal
Volume: 197
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
75A32120
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-22-009-583
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-2522
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-2521
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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