Science Magazine
June 20, 2003
Abstract

A Low-Density M-type Asteroid in the Main Belt
J. L. Margot* and M. E. Brown

The orbital parameters of a satellite revolving around 22 Kalliope indicate
that the bulk density of this main-belt asteroid is 2.37 � 0.4 grams per
cubic centimeter. M-type asteroids such as Kalliope are thought to be the
disrupted metallic cores of differentiated bodies. The low density indicates
that Kalliope cannot be predominantly composed of metal and may be composed
of chondritic material with 30% porosity. The satellite orbit is circular,
suggesting that Kalliope and its satellite have different internal
structures and tidal dissipation rates. The satellite may be an aggregate of
impact ejecta from an earlier collision with Kalliope.


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