asterinid

Asterinid is a term used in the field of astronomy to describe a specific type of asteroid that exhibits a unique spectral signature. These asteroids are characterized by their reflectance spectra, which show a prominent absorption feature at 0.7 micrometers. This feature is attributed to the presence of the mineral pyroxene, which is a common constituent in many types of asteroids. Asterinids are further classified based on their specific spectral characteristics, with the most well-known being the A-type asteroids. These asteroids are believed to be the parent bodies of the ordinary chondrite meteorites, which are a common type of meteorite found on Earth. The study of asterinids provides valuable insights into the composition and evolution of the early solar system, as well as the processes that led to the formation of the planets and other celestial bodies.