Theoretical cratering rates on Ida, Mathilde, Eros and Gaspra (original) (raw)
NASA/ADS
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Abstract
We investigate the main influences on crater size distributions, by deriving results for the four example target objects, (951) Gaspra, (243) Ida, (253) Mathilde and (433) Eros. The dynamical history of each of these asteroids is modelled using the MERCURY (Chambers 1999) numerical integrator. The use of an efficient, Öpik-type, collision code enables the calculation of a velocity histogram and the probability of impact. This when combined with a crater scaling law and an impactor size distribution, through a Monte Carlo method, results in a crater size distribution. The resulting crater probability distributions are in good agreement with observed crater distributions on these asteroids.
Publication:
Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors: ACM 2002
Pub Date:
November 2002
Bibcode:
Keywords:
- Minor Planets;
- Asteroids: Cratering