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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Hektor: the largest highly elongated asteroid
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 29, 1980
Summary
New observations reveal Trojan asteroid 624, Hektor
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Planetary science
Background:
- Asteroid 624, Hektor is a Trojan asteroid.
- Its rotational light curve exhibits high amplitude, suggesting unusual characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of the high amplitude in Hektor's rotational light curve.
- To assess the physical characteristics and formation hypothesis of asteroid 624, Hektor.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of new observational data of asteroid 624, Hektor obtained in April 1979.
- Interpretation of rotational light curve data to infer object shape and surface properties.
Main Results:
- The high amplitude of Hektor's rotational light curve is attributed to its elongated shape.
- Observations rule out albedo variations as the primary cause for the light curve's amplitude.
Conclusions:
- Asteroid 624, Hektor possesses a significantly elongated shape.
- The findings support the hypothesis of Hektor being a compound asteroid formed from a collision between two similarly sized Trojans, offering insight into planetary accretion.
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