Crossing boundaries: Brachinites and their diverse asteroidal originsOPEN ACCESS
B.G. Rider-Stokes, F.A. Davies, T.H. Burbine, E. MacLennan, R.C. Greenwood, S.L. Jackson, M. Anand, D. Sheikh, M.M. Grady
Icarus
Available online 21 January 2026, 116965
“Highlights
- We measure the spectroscopic properties of the brachinite clan.
- The clan can be split into two, showing affinities to the A-type and S-complex asteroids.
- Indicating that a single meteorite group can be linked with multiple asteroid types.
- NWA 14635 demonstrates band structure parameters similar to the asteroid Didymos.
- This implies that Didymos may not be simply chondritic in nature.”
“Brachinite meteorites are typically linked to the olivine-rich A-type asteroids. In this study, however, they appear to exhibit unexpected spectral diversity. Spectroscopic analysis of seven meteorites from the brachinite clan reveals two distinct populations in band parameters, overlapping with both the A-type and S-complex asteroids. This dual association shows that a single meteorite group can originate from multiple asteroid taxonomies. Notably, one S-complex-like specimen, Northwest Africa (NWA) 14,635, displays band parameters similar to those of asteroid (65803) Didymos, the target of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ongoing Hera mission. These results underscore the value of spectroscopic characterization of poorly understood meteorite groups and identifying potential analogs that are highly relevant for current and future mission planning.”
