Abstract
We have used numerical routines to model the evolution of a simulated Baptistina family to constrain its age in light of new measurements of the diameters and albedos of family members from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer. We also investigate the effect of varying the assumed physical and orbital parameters on the best-fitting age. We find that the physically allowed range of assumed values for the density and thermal conductivity induces a large uncertainty in the rate of evolution. When realistic uncertainties in the family members' physical parameters are taken into account, we find that the best-fitting age can fall anywhere in the range of 140-320 Myr. Without more information on the physical properties of the family members, it is difficult to place a more firm constraint on Baptistina's age.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 14 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 759 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- asteroids: general
- minor planets
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science