Uncertainties in physical properties of Itokawa-like asteroids widen constraints on their formation time

Abstract One of the outstanding questions in planetary science is to determine how fundamental mechanical and physical properties materials thermal evolution asteroids, which have greatest influence. We investigate effects uncertainty material asteroid parent bodies on ability models constrain sizes formation times ordinary chondrite asteroids. A simple model formulated for body 25143 Itokawa. The uncertainties values specified specific heat capacity, diffusivity, aluminum abundance are determined. capacity abundance, or production more generally, found both significant approximately equal these results, substantially widening range possible Itokawa’s body. show that could formed between 1.6 2.5 million years after origin calcium–aluminum inclusions with a radius larger than 19 km, it as early 1.4 millions years, late 3.5 small at 17 km if lenient definitions considered. These results stress importance precise data required suite LL type 4-6 meteorites place better constraints history Graphical