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Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths

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Diverse configurations of binary asteroids explained by multi-generation satellites.

Wen-Yue Dai¹, Bin Cheng², Yukun Huang³

¹Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.

Nature Communications

|May 28, 2026

Summary

Multiple mass shedding events explain diverse binary asteroid systems, including unusual configurations like Selam. This multi-generation satellite formation model reveals a richer history for many asteroid binaries.

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Area of Science:

* Planetary Science
* Astronomy
* Solar System Dynamics

Background:

* Binary asteroid systems are common, often forming from rotational breakup.
* Expected satellite configurations (prolate, compact orbits) differ from observed diversity.
* The contact-binary satellite Selam around (152830) Dinkinesh presents a unique case.

Purpose of the Study:

* To propose a unified framework explaining diverse binary asteroid configurations.
* To investigate the influence of multi-generation satellites on formation pathways.
* To analyze the dynamical histories of specific systems like Dinkinesh.

Main Methods:

* Theoretical modeling of mass shedding and satellite formation.
* Simulation of disk-satellite and inter-satellite interactions.
* Analysis of existing binary asteroid system configurations.

Main Results:

* Multiple mass shedding episodes and multi-generation satellites offer a unified explanation.
* Pre-existing satellites significantly alter subsequent satellite formation.
* The model successfully explains the Dinkinesh system and some triple systems.
* Approximately 44% of known binaries show evidence of multi-satellite histories.

Conclusions:

* Multi-generation satellite formation is a key mechanism for diverse binary asteroid systems.
* This mechanism reconciles expected and observed configurations.
* Further discoveries of diverse binary asteroid configurations are anticipated.