Fig. 1: Lucy images of the Dinkinesh system compared with SPH simulation results.
From: Multiple moonlet mergers as the origin of the Dinkinesh-Selam system
Images of Dinkinesh and Selam from Lucy’s close-approach campaign2, taken at (a, b) −2.29 min (lor_0752129452_03580_00001_1 × 1_sci_03); (d, e) −0.21 min (lor_0752129590_03608_00001_1 × 1_sci_03); (g, h) 0.66 min (lor_0752129617_03613_00001_1 × 1_sci_03); and at departure j, 6.16 min (lor_0752129947_03679_00001_1 × 1_sci_03). The times are given relative to the close approach. c, f, i High resolution SPH simulation of Selam A at t = 24 h after merger. Selam B is shown for context only and was not included in these runs. k SPH simulations containing both Selam A and Selam B merged into a single body, at t = 24 h post-merger. In this case, the post-impact shapes of Selam A and Selam B were obtained from earlier moonlet collision simulations. The results demonstrate that geological features formed during prior mergers can be preserved through subsequent low-velocity collisions. In panels (c, f, i, k), yellow denotes highly strained and displaced material (total integrated strain > 1); grey indicates relatively unmodified regions. Images of asteroid Dinkinesh are courtesy of NASA and the NASA Planetary Data System (PDS).
