(16) Psyche's Different Possible Formation Scenarios and Internal Structures From Current Constraints

One of the central questions to be addressed by the NASA Psyche mission is the composition and origin of the asteroid (16) Psyche. In preparation of the mission's planned arrival in 2029, in this work we explore how different internal structures may be expressed on (16) Psyche. We model the core size and shape that may exist at (16) Psyche given currently available constraints. We find that if Psyche has compositional layering, then tectonic features accommodating large amounts of compression from pore closure and a freezing core may be present. We also find that because of (16) Psyche's elongated shape and fast rotation, it is important to properly reference the elevations to the geoid (i.e., the accelerations a particle will feel) when interpreting possible mass wasting effects.