Broadband Linear Polarization of Jupiter Trojans

TL;DR

This study presents high-accuracy broadband linear polarization measurements of six Jupiter Trojans, revealing their surface properties and similarities to other small bodies, aiding understanding of their origin and evolution.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed polarimetric characterization of L4 Jupiter Trojans, comparing their properties with other asteroid populations to infer surface and evolutionary insights.

Findings

Trojan asteroids show homogeneous polarimetric behavior

Their properties are similar to D- and P-type main-belt asteroids

No coma activity detected in observed objects

Abstract

Trojan asteroids orbit in the Lagrange points of the system Sun-planet-asteroid. Their dynamical stability make their physical properties important proxies for the early evolution of our solar system. To study their origin, we want to characterize the surfaces of Jupiter Trojan asteroids and check possible similarities with objects of the main belt and of the Kuiper Belt. We have obtained high-accuracy broad-band linear polarization measurements of six Jupiter Trojans of the L4 population and tried to estimate the main features of their polarimetric behaviour. We have compared the polarimetric properties of our targets among themselves, and with those of other atmosphere-less bodies of our solar system. Our sample show approximately homogeneous polarimetric behaviour, although some distinct features are found between them. In general, the polarimetric properties of Trojan asteroids are similar to those of D- and P-type main-belt asteroids. No sign of coma activity is detected in any of the observed objects. An extended polarimetric survey may help to further investigate the origin and the surface evolution of Jupiter Trojans.