Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Wednesday 27-Oct-2021
Time: 16:05-17:00 (4:05-5:00 pm)
Location: ATL 2400
Speaker: Dr. Ronald Ballouz (APL)
Title: The strengths of near-Earth asteroid surfaces from remote and in situ measurements
Spacecraft exploration of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) has shown that their surfaces are composed of both fine regolith and larger meter-scale boulders. An asteroid’s surface history is determined, in large part, by its strength against collisions with other objects. Furthermore, for asteroid sample-return missions, characterizing the strength of the surface and near surface is critical for ensuring spacecraft safety and sampling success. Prior to the Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-Rex missions to the asteroids Ryugu and Bennu, it had not been possible to assess directly the impact strength of the regolith and boulders that constitute the building blocks of a rubble-pile asteroid.
In this talk, I will discuss how we used a combination of remote observations of asteroid Bennu and the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft's surface interaction on October 2020 to gain knowledge of the strength of both the regolith layer and meter-scale boulders. I will then place these results in the context of the surface evolution and interior structure of Bennu and NEAs, in general. Finally, I will show how these findings may be used to interpret upcoming next-generation population surveys of NEAs, providing a glimpse into the strength and interior properties of the least discovered and most populous Potentially Hazardous Asteroids.
Colloquia for the Fall 2020 semester will be held on zoom. Contact Dr. Leslie Sage for details.
Colloquium Organizer:
Dr. Leslie Sage
Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
