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06:04
Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
Published on: November 15, 2013
An anomalous basaltic meteorite from the innermost main belt
Philip A Bland1, Pavel Spurny, Martin C Towner
1IARC, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK. p.a.bland@imperial.ac.uk
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 19, 2009
Summary
A recent meteorite fall, distinct from asteroid 4 Vesta, suggests a new source for basaltic meteorites. Its orbit indicates an origin in the inner main belt, supporting planetesimal evolution models.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Cosmochemistry
- Astronomy
Background:
- Most basaltic meteorites originate from the asteroid 4 Vesta.
- Understanding meteorite origins provides insights into early solar system evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin of a basaltic meteorite with unusual orbital properties.
- To explore the possibility of Vesta-unrelated V-type asteroid precursors for meteorites.
Main Methods:
- Triangulation of fireball observations to determine meteorite orbits and fall locations.
- Analysis of oxygen isotope composition.
- Orbital modeling to infer the meteorite's parent body origin.
Main Results:
- A recent meteorite fall exhibited orbital characteristics and oxygen isotopes distinct from those linked to 4 Vesta.
- Orbital modeling suggested the meteorite originated from the innermost main asteroid belt.
- The parent body is likely a V-type asteroid, but unrelated to Vesta.
Conclusions:
- V-type asteroid precursors for basaltic meteorites may exist in the inner main belt, separate from 4 Vesta.
- The findings align with models predicting the formation and survival of differentiated asteroids in the terrestrial planet region.
- This suggests a more diverse origin for basaltic meteorites than previously assumed.
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