level 1
Abstract The thermal evolution of the Geminid meteor stream and the Phaethon–
Geminid stream Complex (PGC) are summarized. Sodium contents of Geminid meteor
streams are altered thermally, perhaps during orbital motion in interpla
neta
ry space due to
the short perihelion distance of the orbit (q * 0.14 AU). However, the temperature of
meteoroids is less than the sublimation temperature of Na in alkali silicates, suggesting that
the parent body 3200 Phaethon itself might have suffered from the thermal processing. On
the other hand, a breakup event on PGC parent is suggested by the existence of dynamically
associated asteroids (Phaethon, 2005 UD and 1999 YC) sharing pristine features
(C, B types). A possible mechanism behind the breakup is the sublimation of ice inside the
PGC parent due to its thermal evolution. It is tempting to guess that the PGC parent might
be evolved dynamically from the outer part of the main asteroid belt where the residence of
ice-rich asteroids (main belt comets) into current PGC-like orbit.
Keywords Meteors Asteroids Comets
2009年11月21日 17点11分