Article Abstract:
Ground studies of the spectrum of 243 Ida place it in the S-class of asteroids which includes both chondrites and stony-irons. 243 Ida is the only asteroid known to have a satellite. Data obtained from the space craft Galileo shows it to has less density than expected which could be because of internal porosity. Studies on 243 Ida's and its satellite's spectrum suggests they originated by the breakup of a single Koronis body. The surface of 243 Ida has undergone a weathering process which could be the link between S-asteroids and chondrites.
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Article Abstract:
Pluto is not a lone planet as thought earlier, but has three satellites- Charon, P1 and P2. More satellites are expected to be discovered in the Kuiper belt, outside the orbit of Neptune and this can be confirmed when NASA's New Horizons mission to the Pluto system will look for satellites and rings that might reveal the origin and evolution of the Pluto family.
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Article Abstract:
The radar measurements of the Earth-crossing asteroid 1620 Geographos suggest its outlines to be irregular, non-convex and having an aspect ratio of 2.76 plus or minus 0.21. This solar system object is unusually stretched. The measurements were made during its near confrontation with the Earth and the contours of Geographos were detected along its rotation axis.
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