Radiometry of asteroids

Measurements of the thermal emission of asteroids can be used to derive albedos and diameters and to infer information on thermophysical properties of the upper layer of asteroid surfaces. Radiometric diameters and albedos, derived on the basis of standard thermal models for low-conductivity regoliths, have been determined for approximately 200 asteroids, with results in agreement with determinations by polarimetry and stellar occultations. For objects to which these standard models apply, diameters can be determined with an accuracy of plus or minus 10%. In several cases of small asteroids, however, there is evidence that the standard models do not apply, presumably due to the absence of an insulating regolith. Thus the interpretation of radiometric diameters is in question and the utility for objects with diameters less than about 30 km is diminished. In these cases the thermal observations potentially can provide information on the ability of low-gravity objects to retain regoliths.