Very young asteroid families

We used synthetic populations of asteroids, with their magnitude distribution controlled by a small number of parameters, as a template for the bias-corrected model of these families. Applying the known detection probability of the CSS observations, we could adjust these model parameters to match the observed (biased) populations in the young families. In the case of three families, Datura, Adelaide, and Rampo, we find evidence that the magnitude distribution transitions from steep to shallow slopes near 300 to 400 meters.

Conversely, the Hobson family population may be represented by a single power-law model. The Lucascavin family has a limited population; no new members have been discovered over the past two decades. We consider a model of parent body rotational fission with the escaping secondary tidally split into two components (thereby providing three members within this family).

In support of this idea, we find that no other asteroid with absolute magnitude H<=18.3 accompanies the known three members in the Lucascavin family. A similar result is found for the archetypal asteroid pair Rheinland-Kurpfalz.