Work

Asteroid modelling by starlight diffraction: The shape of Dimorphos, the satellite of (65803) Didymos

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Context. The DART spacecraft impacted Dimorphos, the satellite of (65803) Didymos, in September 2022. Evidence of crater formation and possible global reshaping has been obtained indirectly from spacecraft and ground-based data. Aims. Since the impact, several stellar occultations by Didymos have been observed, but only one in particular, on January 21, 2023, can provide useful constraints on the size and shape of Dimorphos. Methods. We modelled the diffraction signatures recorded on multiple occultation chords to constrain the projected shape and size of Dimorphos, assuming an ellipsoidal model. This is the first time diffraction observed simultaneously on several chords of a single event has been used for such a purpose. Results. The projected shape at the epoch of the event is well constrained and consistent with recent post-DART determinations. When extended to a full three-dimensional ellipsoidal solution, the result remains compatible with previous studies, suggesting an equatorially elongated post-impact shape.

Source: Astronomy and Astrophysics

DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202659734