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Astronomy
intermediate

A frequency approach to identifying asteroid families

V. Carruba & T. A. Michtchenko (2008)

Published
Oct 30, 2008
Journal
Astronomy & Astrophysics · Vol. 493 · No. 1
DOI
10.1051/0004-6361:200809852

At a GlanceAI

Uses proper-frequency clustering to identify asteroid families, improving family detection where orbital elements alone can mislead.

SummaryAI

The paper proposes identifying asteroid families by grouping objects in the space of proper frequencies rather than relying only on proper orbital elements. This matters because frequency-space can better capture long-term dynamical behavior shaped by secular effects, helping disentangle real collisional families from background populations. The approach is positioned as an alternative (or complement) to traditional element-based clustering, with implications for more reliable family membership lists and downstream studies of asteroid evolution.

Method SnapshotAI

Frequency analysis to compute proper frequencies followed by clustering in frequency space to detect families.

BackgroundAI

Celestial mechanics of asteroids, including proper elements/proper frequencies and secular perturbations/resonances.