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Inferring interiors and structural history of top-shaped asteroids from external properties of asteroid (101955) Bennu

Author

Listed:
  • Yun Zhang

    (Université Côte d’Azur, Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Laboratoire Lagrange
    University of Maryland)

  • Patrick Michel

    (Université Côte d’Azur, Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Laboratoire Lagrange)

  • Olivier S. Barnouin

    (The Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory)

  • James H. Roberts

    (The Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory)

  • Michael G. Daly

    (York University)

  • Ronald-L. Ballouz

    (The Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory
    University of Arizona)

  • Kevin J. Walsh

    (Southwest Research Institute)

  • Derek C. Richardson

    (University of Maryland)

  • Christine M. Hartzell

    (University of Maryland)

  • Dante S. Lauretta

    (University of Arizona)

Abstract

Asteroid interiors play a key role in our understanding of asteroid formation and evolution. As no direct interior probing has been done yet, characterisation of asteroids’ interiors relies on interpretations of external properties. Here we show, by numerical simulations, that the top-shaped rubble-pile asteroid (101955) Bennu’s geophysical response to spinup is highly sensitive to its material strength. This allows us to infer Bennu’s interior properties and provide general implications for top-shaped rubble piles’ structural evolution. We find that low-cohesion (≲0.78 Pa at surface and ≲1.3 Pa inside) and low-friction (friction angle ≲ 35∘) structures with several high-cohesion internal zones can consistently account for all the known geophysical characteristics of Bennu and explain the absence of moons. Furthermore, we reveal the underlying mechanisms that lead to different failure behaviours and identify the reconfiguration pathways of top-shaped asteroids as functions of their structural properties that either facilitate or prevent the formation of moons.

Suggested Citation

  • Yun Zhang & Patrick Michel & Olivier S. Barnouin & James H. Roberts & Michael G. Daly & Ronald-L. Ballouz & Kevin J. Walsh & Derek C. Richardson & Christine M. Hartzell & Dante S. Lauretta, 2022. "Inferring interiors and structural history of top-shaped asteroids from external properties of asteroid (101955) Bennu," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-32288-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32288-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kevin J. Walsh & Derek C. Richardson & Patrick Michel, 2008. "Rotational breakup as the origin of small binary asteroids," Nature, Nature, vol. 454(7201), pages 188-191, July.
    2. C. W. Hergenrother & C. K. Maleszewski & M. C. Nolan & J.-Y. Li & C. Y. Drouet d’Aubigny & F. C. Shelly & E. S. Howell & T. R. Kareta & M. R. M. Izawa & M. A. Barucci & E. B. Bierhaus & H. Campins & S, 2019. "The operational environment and rotational acceleration of asteroid (101955) Bennu from OSIRIS-REx observations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. S. Cambioni & M. Delbo & G. Poggiali & C. Avdellidou & A. J. Ryan & J. D. P. Deshapriya & E. Asphaug & R.-L. Ballouz & M. A. Barucci & C. A. Bennett & W. F. Bottke & J. R. Brucato & K. N. Burke & E. C, 2021. "Fine-regolith production on asteroids controlled by rock porosity," Nature, Nature, vol. 598(7879), pages 49-52, October.
    4. P. Michel & R.-L. Ballouz & O. S. Barnouin & M. Jutzi & K. J. Walsh & B. H. May & C. Manzoni & D. C. Richardson & S. R. Schwartz & S. Sugita & S. Watanabe & H. Miyamoto & M. Hirabayashi & W. F. Bottke, 2020. "Collisional formation of top-shaped asteroids and implications for the origins of Ryugu and Bennu," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
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