Rotationally Resolved Spectroscopy of Asteroid Pairs: No Spectral Variation Suggests Fission is followed by Settling of Dust

Abstract

We examine the spectral properties of asteroid pairs that were disrupted in the last 2 Myrs to examine whether the site of the fission can be revealed. We studied the possibility that the sub-surface material, perhaps on one hemisphere, has spectral characteristics differing from the original weathered surface, by performing rotationally-resolved spectroscopic observations to look for local variations as the asteroid rotates. We observed 11 asteroids in pairs in the near-IR and visible range. Photometry was also conducted to determine the rotational phases of a spectrum on the asteroid lightcurves. We do not detect any rotational spectral variations within the signal-to-noise, which allow us to constrain the extent of any existing surface heterogeneity. For each observed spectrum of a longitudinal segment of an asteroid, we estimate the maximal size of an un-detected "spot" with a spectral signature different than the average. For 5 asteroids the maximal diameter of such a spot is smaller by a factor of two than the diameter of the secondary member. Therefore, the site of the fission is larger than any area with a unique spectral parameters and the site of the fission does not have a unique spectrum. In the case of an S-complex asteroid, where the site of fission is expected to present non-weathered spectra, a lack of a fission spot can be explained if the rotational-fission process is followed by the spread of dust that re-accumulates on the primary asteroid and covers it homogeneously. This is demonstrated for the young asteroid 6070 that presents an Sq-type spectrum while its inner material, that is presumably revealed on the surface of its secondary member, 54827, has a fresher, Q-type spectrum. The spread of dust observed in the disruption event of asteroid P/2013 R3, might be an example of such a process and an indication that it was indeed formed in a rotational-fission event.

arXiv comment16 pages, 15 figures, 6 Tables. Accepted for publication in Icarus

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