Publication Date:
2014-09-30
Description:
The populations of the various classes of planet-crossing asteroids, based on the results of the systematic Planet-Crossing Asteroid Survey (PCAS) search program are evaluated. Knowledge of the populations is crucial to the stimation of lunar and terrestrial planet cratering rates from asteroidal and cometary sources needed to establish the chronology of other surface features on those bodies. A secondary objective is to identify the sources of these crater-forming objects and their relative importance in producing the observed planet-crossing asteroid population. Some key PCAS asteroid discoveries relevant to the population problem and the progress in using the available search data to update and refine earlier estimates of the planet-crossing asteroid population are described.
Keywords:
LUNAR AND PLANETARY EXPLORATION
Type:
NASA, Washington Repts. of Planetary Geol. and Geophys. Program, 1984; p 69-71
Format:
text
