Trojans and Centaurs are primitive, peculiar objects orbiting in the middle solar system. Both groups characteristically have low albedos and red colors. Physical observations of Trojans reveal featureless reddish spectra, implying surfaces probably rich in complex organic solid materials. The interiors are expected to be rich in H2O ice and other volatile material. Centaurs have surfaces showing dramatically different spectral reflectances, from neutral to very red. Some spectra are featureless, while others show signatures of water ice, methanol, or other light hydrocarbons. Trojans were formed near Jupiter's orbit, while Centaurs were formed far beyond Jupiter's orbit, but both were formed at low temperatures at which water exists as solid ice.
Physical Properties of Trojan and Centaur Asteroids
LAZZARIN, MONICA
2002
Abstract
Trojans and Centaurs are primitive, peculiar objects orbiting in the middle solar system. Both groups characteristically have low albedos and red colors. Physical observations of Trojans reveal featureless reddish spectra, implying surfaces probably rich in complex organic solid materials. The interiors are expected to be rich in H2O ice and other volatile material. Centaurs have surfaces showing dramatically different spectral reflectances, from neutral to very red. Some spectra are featureless, while others show signatures of water ice, methanol, or other light hydrocarbons. Trojans were formed near Jupiter's orbit, while Centaurs were formed far beyond Jupiter's orbit, but both were formed at low temperatures at which water exists as solid ice.Pubblicazioni consigliate
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.