[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Asteroid Families



Astronomy , November 1999, p. 34: Asteroids Can Orbit as ‘Families’

Groups of asteroids that circle the sun in similar orbits can actually
be "families" - chips off the old blocks of larger asteroids broken
apart long ago by collisions. Investigating the aftermath of collisions
in the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars, where most of the solar
system's asteroids are found, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
astronomer Schelte J. Bus says the number of families is now up to 19.
"What this tells us is that collisions are an important mechanism in the
evolution of the asteroid belt," says Bus. For more, go to:

http://www.astronomy.com/horizon.html.


Regards,

Bernd

----------
Archives located at:
http://www.meteoritecentral.com/list_best.html

For help, FAQ's and sub. info. visit:
http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing_list.html
----------