Icarus for November (vol. 440) is a bit light:
Pan, Q. Li, X. Qiao, D. Analysis of structural failure in fast-spinning small bodies Art 116662 .2025.116662
Wei, Z. Zhuang, Y. Zhang, H. et al. Spectral feature variations of low-iron olivine under intense pulse-laser irradiations Art 116665 .2025.116665
We have seen (therefore, we will continue to see) many asteroids with “top” shapes. Asteroid Šteins (mostly), then Ryugu, Bennu, and Didymos up close, plus radar modeling of more asteroids, shows that the top-shape is common. The easy explanation is that a fast spin caused material to slump towards the equator, due to centrifugal force. Is this a good assumption? Pan et al. run the numbers. Should the spin be fast enough, material will actually fling off, forming a satellite (‘asteroid moon’).
Less dramatic, but even more common: space weathering, of asteroid surfaces. To simulate the full Sun, unimpeded by an atmosphere, as well as micro-impacts by micrometeorites, we use laser pulses of varying strengths. Olivine, at least in small amounts, is a common mineral found on asteroids. Wei et al. perform experimental astronomy, attempting to replicate exposed asteroid surfaces in the lab. What does the end product look like- especially in telescopes, the only way to study most asteroids?