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Understanding the origin and evolution of large and dark asteroids

Near-infrared observations of large dark asteroids in the main belt reveal that they have spectral characteristics similar to those of the dwarf planet Ceres. Thermal evolution models suggest that these asteroids accreted at large orbital distances and may have been implanted into the main belt by the dynamic instability of the giant planets.

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Fig. 1: The distribution of large dark asteroids and the maximum temperature of initially water-rich planetesimals.

References

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This is a summary of: Takir, D. et al. Late accretion of Ceres-like asteroids and their implantation into the outer main belt. Nat. Astron. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-023-01898-x (2023).

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Understanding the origin and evolution of large and dark asteroids. Nat Astron 7, 520–521 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-023-01900-6

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