Observations of Planet Embryos and their Collision Fragments

Abstract

Small bodies in the Solar System are remnants of the era of planet formation. The most pristine population, the Transneptunian Objects (TNOs), resides in the outer parts of the Solar System, whereas Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) have undergone multiple alteration processes. Both classes have in common, that very little is known about the physical properties of these objects. We report on our first results in investigating the physical characteristics of NEOs and TNOs using thermal and thermophysical models. This work is done within the 'ExploreNEOs' project, which utilizes the 'Warm Spitzer' space telescope and the 'TNOs are Cool' Herschel space observatory Open Time Key Programme. Both projects aim to determine size and albedo distributions and provide further information on physical properties, which help to better understand the processes of planet formation, prepare for asteroid rendezvous and mitigation missions and the transport of carbonaceous material to the young Earth.