Material properties of transition objects 3200 Phaethon and 2003 EH1

Abstract

AbstractAsteroids 3200 Phaethon and 196256 (2003 EH1) are connected with two major meteoroid streams, Geminids and Quadrantids, respectively. We have modeled the observed light curves and decelerations of Geminid and Quadrantid meteors and studied their spectra. In both cases, we have found typical bulk densities of about 2600 kg m−3, much larger than in cometary meteoroids. Sodium was partially lost from Geminids and Quadrantids due to solar heating. The Quadrantid material was therefore not hidden deep inside the parent body 1500 years ago, when the perihelion was low enough for sodium loss to occur.