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Constraints on the diameter and albedo of 2060 ChironAsteroid 2060 Chiron is the largest known object exhibiting cometary activity. Radiometric observations made in 1983 from a ground-based telescope and the IRAS are used to examine the limits on Chiron's diameter and albedo. It is argued that Chiron's surface temperature distribution at that time is best described by an 'isothermal latitude' or 'rapid-rotator' model. Consequently, Chiron has a maximum diameter of 372 kilometers and a minimum geometric albedo of 2.7 percent. This is much bigger and darker than previous estimates, and suggests that gravity may play a significant role in the evolution of gas and dust emissions. It is also found that for large obliquities, surface temperatures can vary dramatically on time scales of a decade, and that such geometry may play a critical role in explaining Chiron's observed photometric behavior since its discovery in 1977.
Document ID
19910042675
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Sykes, Mark V.
(Steward Observatory Tucson, AZ, United States)
Walker, Russell G.
(Jamieson Science and Engineering, Inc. Scotts Valley, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
February 15, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Science
Volume: 251
ISSN: 0036-8075
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
91A27298
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1370
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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