First survey of phase curves of V-type asteroids

Abstract The V-type asteroids are of major scientific interest as they may sample multiple differentiated planetesimals. Determination of their physical properties is crucial for understanding the diversity and multiplicity of planetesimals. Previous studies have suggested distinct polarimetric behaviours for the V-type asteroids. Similarly to phase-polarization curves, asteroid phase-magnitude curves (hereinafter called “phase curves”) are also diagnostic of surface and regolith properties, and can be used to unveil a variety of distinct behaviours. We present well determined phase curves for ∼20 V-type asteroids for the first time. Their phase curve parameters are consistent with those for moderate and high albedo asteroids. The computed median G12 parameter for the V-type asteroids is G12∗ = 0.14. We do not find substantial evidence for any clustering into distinct phase curve parameters groups. Only one asteroid (2763) Jeans shows exceptionally high G2 value. The derived median G12 may be used in single parameters fitting of V-type asteroids.