A new prospect to analyse the spectral properties of v-type asteroids

Among main belt asteroids, some have a spectrum similar to Vesta so they are taxonomically classified as V-type asteroids. Probably they were removed from Vesta and migrated to their current positions via some still unknown dynamical mechanisms. Several issues on the relationship between V-type asteroids, Howardite-EucriteDiogenite (HED) meteorites and Vesta are still unresolved. Although some of them can be directly linked to (4) Vesta, forming its dynamical family, others do not appear to have a clear dynamical link, thus suggesting the existence of other basaltic parent bodies. In this work we present a new approach of analysis to investigate 76 VNIR V-type asteroids spectra downloaded from PDS. The composition of the regolith and particle size of V-type asteroid have been investigated with a combination of spectroscopic analysis and Hapke radiative transfer model. Retrieved particle sizes are very small, with a mean value of 20 mu m. Therefore, we look for statistically significant differences among the modal mineralogy of V-type asteroids belonging to different dynamical subclasses. It seems there is a possible chronologic link between impact events on Vesta and the V-type families. The most ancient V-type family, e.g. Low-I asteroids, seems to have a eucritic composition compatible with an ejection of the outermost layer of Vesta. The Fugitive V-type were probably ejected in an older cratering event that produced the Veneneia basin while the Vestoids family, whose dynamical parameters are still more similar to Vesta and which seems to be the youngest family among them, could be associated to Rheasilvia basin. The last two families seem to have a diogenitic composition compatible with that of the south of Vesta, where the two huge craters are located. Spartacus asteroid is also analysed and it was found to have a modal mineralogy consistent with the presence of olivine as noted before (Moskovitz et al.,2010; Burbine et al., 2001).

Automated summary

In this study, the composition and particle size of V-type asteroids were investigated through spectroscopic analysis. The researchers found possible chronological links between impact events on Vesta and the formation of V-type families. The results also suggest the presence of other basaltic parent bodies apart from Vesta.