Nonextensive distributions of asteroid rotation periods and diameters

Abstract

We investigate the distribution of asteroid rotation periods from different regions of the solar system and diameter distributions of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs). We aim to verify if nonextensive statistics satisfactorily describes the data. Light curve data were taken from the Planetary Database System (PDS) with Rel. We also considered the taxonomic class and region of the solar system. Data of NEA were taken from the Minor Planet Center. Results. The rotation periods of asteroids follow a q-Gaussian with q = 2.6 regardless of taxonomy, diameter, or region of the solar system of the object. The distribution of rotation periods is influenced by observational bias. The diameters of NEAs are described by a q-exponential with q = 1.3. According to this distribution, there are expected to be 994 ± 30 NEAs with diameters greater than 1 km.