Fig. 4: Geometric factor distributions of 99 small NEOs measured by the MANOS project67,68.
From: Elliptical ejecta of asteroid Dimorphos is due to its surface curvature
a and b Mean and standard deviation of the geometric factor for an impact along each target’s semi-minor axis. c and d Mean and standard deviation of the relative geometric factor of an impact along the semi-major axis to one along the semi-minor axis. All panels give the geometric factor distributions in percentile as a function of diameter and minimum strength. All negative outcomes in Panels (a and b) are truncated and noted as zero geometric factors. The curves in different colors, calculated using Equation (23), show interpolations between the catastrophic disruption thresholds for a pumice-like target and a cohesionless target (red) and a basalt-like target and a cohesionless target (blue). For the cohesionless target, we assume a minimal strength of 0.01 Pa. The dashed, solid, and dotted lines give bulk densities of 1000 kg/m3, 2000 kg/m3, and 4000 kg/m3. If target asteroids stay on the right side of those thresholds, they do not experience catastrophic disruption. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.
