WISE/NEOWISE Multiepoch Imaging of the Potentially Geminid-related Asteroids: (3200) Phaethon, 2005 UD, and 1999 YC

Abstract We present space-based thermal infrared observations of the presumably Geminid-associated asteroids: (3200) Phaethon, 2005 UD, and 1999 YC using Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer/Near-Earth Object WISE. The images were taken at four wavelength bands 3.4 ? m (W1), 4.6 (W2), 12 (W3), 22 (W4). find no evidence lasting mass loss in asteroids over decadal multiepoch data sets. set an upper limit to mass-loss rate dust Q ? 2 kg s ?1 for Phaethon ?0.1 both UD YC, respectively, with little dependency observed heliocentric distances R h = 1.0–2.3 au. For even if maximum was sustained 1000(s) yr dynamical age Geminid stream, it is more than two orders magnitude too small supply reported stream (10 13–14 kg). Phaethon-associated trail (Geminid stream) not detected 2.3 au, corresponding on optical depth ? < 7 × 10 ?9 . Additionally, comoving radii r e 650 found. DESTINY + analyzer would be capable detecting several sized interplanetary particles when far (?50,000 km) from Phaethon. From lasted 10,000 Daytime Sextantid meteoroid ?10 kg. showed neither related (the ?8 ) nor objects 170 1.6 Estimated physical parameters these limits do explain production mechanism stream. Lastly, explore origin Geminids, we discuss implications our relation possibly sodium-driven perihelion activity