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How fast can an asteroid spinMany large asteroids are probably gravitationally bound 'rubble piles', which should approximate figures of hydrostatic equilibrium. The maximum angular velocity of such bodies is limited by formation of Jacobi ellipsoids or binary fission at about half the surface orbit frequency. The observed limiting rotation period of approximately 4 hr implies asteroidal densities of about 2-3 g/cu cm.
Document ID
19810056790
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Weidenschilling, S. J.
(Science Applications, Inc. Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 46
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
81A41194
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-3208
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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