Polarimetry: a primary tool for the physical characterization of asteroids

Abstract

AbstractAsteroid polarimetry has taken profit in recent years of a renewed interest triggered by exciting results from observing campaigns and theoretical studies. One of the most important applications of polarimetry to asteroid studies is the derivation of the geometric albedo and of the typical sizes of the particles forming the regolith layer covering the surface. Moreover, the serendipitous discovery of a new class of asteroids displaying unusual polarimetric properties, the so-called “Barbarians”, has been followed by increasing evidence that these objects can be extremely primitive and may be interpreted as remnants of the very first generation of solid bodies accreted in the inner Solar System. In addition, some results of asteroid polarimetry are going to be interpreted, for the first time, in terms of some “ground truth” evidence, made possible by in situ observations of the surface of the asteroid (4) Vesta by the Dawn space probe. Finally, some preliminary evidence suggests that spectro-polarimetry is going to become a major tool for the physical characterization of the small bodies of the solar system.