Difference between revisions of "S-type asteroids"
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| + | '''S-type asteroids''', also called '''silicate asteroids''' or '''stony asteroids''', are the second most abundant type of [[asteroid]] in the [[solar system]]. 17% of all asteroids are S-type.<ref name=Arnett>Arnett, Bill. "[http://www.nineplanets.org/asteroids.html Asteroids]." ''The <s>Nine</s> 8 Planets'', May 10, 2008. Accessed June 20, 2008.</ref><ref name=planetsoc>"[http://www.planetary.org/explore/topics/near_earth_objects/asteroids_and_comets/facts.html Asteroid Facts]." ''The Planetary Society'', n.d. Accessed June 20, 2008.</ref> | ||
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| + | == Characteristics and composition == | ||
| + | S-type asteroids have [[a-lbedo]]s varying from 0.10 to 0.22.<ref name=planetsoc/> They are composed primarily of [[iron]] and [[nickel]] with iron and [[magnesium]] silicates added. They resemble stony [[meteor]]ites and ordinary rocks. They typically predominate in the inner regions of the asteroid belt.<ref name=planetsoc/><ref name=Burns>Burns, Philip R. "[http://www.pibburns.com/catastro/asteroid.htm Asteroids]." March 1, 2000. Accessed June 21, 2008.</ref> | ||
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| + | == Examples == | ||
| + | The asteroids [[Gaspra]]<ref name=Burns/> and [[Ida]]<ref name=Burns/><ref name=Gordon>Gordon, K. "[http://www.csulb.edu/~gordon/LectureNotes/Asteroids%20Close%20Up.html Asteroids Close Up]." Course syllabus, Astronomy 100L, California State University Long Beach, 2006-2007. Accessed June 21, 2008.</ref> are two examples of S-type asteroids. | ||
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| + | == Observation and exploration == | ||
| + | S-type asteroids are somewhat brighter than the C-type and are thus easier to view. | ||
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| + | The [[Galileo Project|Galileo]] spacecraft made rendezvous with the asteroids Gaspra and Ida on its way to [[Jupiter]].<ref name=Gordon>Gordon, K. "[http://www.csulb.edu/~gordon/LectureNotes/Asteroids%20Close%20Up.html Asteroids Close Up]." Course syllabus, Astronomy 100L, California State University Long Beach, 2006-2007. Accessed June 21, 2008.</ref> | ||
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| + | == References == | ||
| + | {{reflist|2}} | ||
{{Solarsystem}} | {{Solarsystem}} | ||
[[category:astronomy]] | [[category:astronomy]] | ||
Revision as of 19:43, June 21, 2008
S-type asteroids, also called silicate asteroids or stony asteroids, are the second most abundant type of asteroid in the solar system. 17% of all asteroids are S-type.[1][2]
Characteristics and composition
S-type asteroids have a-lbedos varying from 0.10 to 0.22.[2] They are composed primarily of iron and nickel with iron and magnesium silicates added. They resemble stony meteorites and ordinary rocks. They typically predominate in the inner regions of the asteroid belt.[2][3]
Examples
The asteroids Gaspra[3] and Ida[3][4] are two examples of S-type asteroids.
Observation and exploration
S-type asteroids are somewhat brighter than the C-type and are thus easier to view.
The Galileo spacecraft made rendezvous with the asteroids Gaspra and Ida on its way to Jupiter.[4]
References
- ↑ Arnett, Bill. "Asteroids." The
Nine8 Planets, May 10, 2008. Accessed June 20, 2008. - ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Asteroid Facts." The Planetary Society, n.d. Accessed June 20, 2008.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Burns, Philip R. "Asteroids." March 1, 2000. Accessed June 21, 2008.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Gordon, K. "Asteroids Close Up." Course syllabus, Astronomy 100L, California State University Long Beach, 2006-2007. Accessed June 21, 2008.
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