Estimation of the space weathering timescale on (25143) Itokawa: Implications on its rejuvenation process

Context. The space weathering timescales of near-Earth S-type asteroids have been investigated using several approaches (i.e., experiments, sample analyses, and theoretical approaches), yet there are orders of magnitude differences.Aims. We aim to examine the space weathering timescale on a near-Earth S-type asteroid, Itokawa, using Hayabusa/AMICA images, and further investigate the evolutional process of the asteroid.Methods. We focused on bright mottles on the boulder surfaces generated via impacts with interplanetary dust particles (IDPs). We compared the bright mottle size distribution with an IDP flux model to determine the space weathering timescale.Results. We found that the space weathering timescale on Itokawa's boulder surfaces is 10(3) yr (in the range of 10(2)-10(4) yr), which is consistent with the timescales of space weathering by light ions from the solar wind.Conclusions. From this result, we conclude that Itokawa's surface has been weathered rapidly in 10(3) yr but portions of the surface are exposed due to seismic shaking that was triggered by a recent impact, which created the Kamoi crater.

Automated summary

The study aimed to investigate the space weathering timescale of the near-Earth S-type asteroid Itokawa using Hayabusa/AMICA images, focusing on bright mottles generated by impacts with interplanetary dust particles. The research found that the space weathering timescale on Itokawa's boulder surfaces is approximately 10^3 years, consistent with space weathering by solar wind ions.