Dr. Guy Consolmagno: Physical and thermal properties of asteroid-analog meteorites

Physical and thermal properties of asteroid-analog meteorites

dr. Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory

We have measured the physical properties (density, porosity, thermal properties) at low temperature for meteorites in classes closely associated with asteroids that have been sampled or are to be closely studied by spacecraft missions. Our results for CM meteorites (close analogs to asteroids Bennu and Ryugu) and iron meteorites (an important constituent of asteroid Psyche) have important applications in understanding their surface properties, including their contribution to Yarkovsky and YORP forces.