Showing papers by "Carle M. Pieters published in 2000"

Space weathering on airless bodies: Resolving a mystery with lunar samples

Abstract: — Using new techniques to examine the products of space weathering of lunar soils, we demonstrate that nanophase reduced iron (npFe0) is produced on the surface of grains by a combination of vapor deposition and irradiation effects. The optical properties of soils (both measured and modeled) are shown to be highly dependent on the cumulative amount of npFe0, which varies with different starting materials and the energetics of different parts of the solar system. The measured properties of intermediate albedo asteroids, the abundant S-type asteroids in particular, are shown to directly mimic the effects predicted for small amounts of npFe0 on grains of an ordinary chondrite regolith. This measurement and characterization of space weathering products seems to remove a final obstacle hindering a link between the abundant ordinary chondrite meteorites and common asteroids.

Photometric properties of the lunar surface derived from Clementine observations

Abstract: Photometric properties of the lunar surface in visual and near-infrared light were studied using raw images obtained with UVVIS camera during the Clementine mission. The investigation focused on several specific regions on the lunar surface, each of which was observed by Clementine at a variety of different illumination and viewing geometries. Through these observations, the dependence of the surface brightness on the observation/illumination geometry was studied. It was shown that the disk component of this dependence, that is, the variations of brightness at constant phase angle, is different for different mare areas. The color of the lunar surface also changes with changing of the observation/illumination geometry, even if under constant phase angle. The Reiner Gamma formation displays unusual photometric properties. They are consistent with the surface being smoother than the typical mare regolith surface. The UVVIS images taken at the smallest phase angles were used to study the opposition spike, that is, the sharp increase of the surface brightness near the opposition. Steepness of the phase dependence of brightness varies over a wide range for different sites.

Small is beautiful: The analysis of nanogram-sized astromaterials

Abstract: — The capability of modern methods to characterize ultra-small samples is well established from analysis of interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), interstellar grains recovered from meteorites, and other materials requiring ultra-sensitive analytical capabilities. Powerful analytical techniques are available that require, under favorable circumstances, single particles of only a few nanograms for entire suites of fairly comprehensive characterizations. A returned sample of > 1000 particles with total mass of just 1 μg permits comprehensive quantitative geochemical measurements that are impractical to carry out in situ by flight instruments. The main goal of this paper is to describe the state-of-the-art in microanalysis of astromaterials. Given that we can analyze fantastically small quantities of asteroids and comets, etc., we have to ask ourselves, how representative are microscopic samples of bodies that measure a few to many kilometers across? With the Galileo flybys of Gaspra and Ida, it is now recognized that even very small airless bodies have indeed developed a particulate regolith. Acquiring a sample of the bulk regolith, a simple sampling strategy, provides two critical pieces of information about the body. Regolith samples are excellent bulk samples because they normally contain all the key components of the local environment, albeit in particulate form. Furthermore, because this fine fraction dominates remote measurements, regolith samples also provide information about surface alteration processes and are a key link to remote sensing of other bodies. Studies indicate that a statistically significant number of nanogram-sized particles should be able to characterize the regolith of a primitive asteroid, although the presence of larger components (e.g., chondrules, calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions, large crystal fragments, etc.) within even primitive meteorites (e.g., Murchison) points out the limitations of using data obtained from nanogram-sized samples to characterize entire primitive asteroids. However, the most important asteroidal geological processes have left their mark on the matrix, because this is the finest-grained portion and therefore most sensitive to chemical and physical changes. Thus, the following information can be learned from this fine grain size fraction alone: (1) mineral paragenesis; (2) regolith processes; (3) bulk composition; (4) conditions of thermal and aqueous alteration (if any); (5) relationships to planets, comets, meteorites (via isotopic analyses, including O); (6) abundance of water and hydrated material; (7) abundance of organics; (8) history of volatile mobility; (9) presence and origin of presolar and/or interstellar material. Most of this information can be obtained even from dust samples from bodies for which nanogram-sized samples are not truly representative. Future advances in sensitivity and accuracy of laboratory analytical techniques can be expected to enhance the science value of nano- to microgram-sized samples even further. This highlights a key advantage of sample returns—that the most advanced analysis techniques can always be applied in the laboratory and that well-preserved samples are available for future investigations.

Meteoritics and Planetary Science Supplement

Abstract: This special supplement of the Meteoritics and Planetary Science Society Journal contains the abstracts of 324 technical presentations, and the presentations of awards during the Annual meeting of the Meteoritical Society. The abstracts review current research on meteors and planetary sciences.

New views of the Moon: Improved understanding through data integration

Abstract: Understanding the Moon is crucial to future exploration of the solar system.The Moon preserves a record of the first billion years of the Earth-Moon system's history, including evidence of the Moon's origin as accumulated debris from a giant impact into early Earth. Lunar rocks provide evidence of early differentiation and extraction of a crust. Lacking an atmospheric shield, the Moon's regolith retains a record of the activity of solar wind over the past 4 billion years. It also holds a complete record of impact cratering, and analysis of samples has allowed calibration of ages, and thus dating of other planetary surfaces. And because of its proximity to Earth, it's low gravity well, and stable surface, the Moon's resources will be useful both in establishing lunar habitations and as fuel for exploration beyond the Moon. Lunar science has advanced tremendously in the 30 years since the Apollo and Luna missions. We know that the Moon is strongly differentiated, and recent tungsten isotope studies indicate that this differentiation occurred soon after solar system formation. The Moon probably accreted rapidly from debris that formed as a large planetesimal struck the early Earth. Ancient highland rocks provide evidence of early lunar differentiation, and basalts formed by later melting within the mantle reveal it cumulus nature. However, the timing, extent, and depth of differentiation, variations within the mantle, and lateral and vertical variations within the crust can only be surmised from the limited sample suites,gravity studies,and surface geophysics of the Apollo era. Data from the recent Lunar Prospector and Clementine missions permit reassessment of the global characteristics of the Moon and a reexamination of the distribution of elemental components, rock and soil types, and resources, as well as remanent magnetism, gravity field, and global topography New research provides some answers, but also leads to new questions.

Improved Scheme of Modified Gaussian Deconvolution for Reflectance Spectra of Lunar Soils

Abstract: In our continuing effort for deconvolving reflectance spectra of lunar soils using the modified Gaussian model, a new scheme has been developed, including a new form of continuum. All the parameters are optimized with certain constraints.

Aladdin: Exploration and Sample Return from the Moons of Mars

Abstract: Aladdin is a remote sensing and sample return mission focused on the two small moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos. Understanding the moons of Mars will help us to understand the early history of Mars itself. Aladdin's primary objective is to acquire well documented, representative samples from both moons and return them to Earth for detailed analyses. Samples arrive at Earth within three years of launch. Aladdin addresses several of NASA's highest priority science objectives: the origin and evolution of the Martian system (one of two silicate planets with satellites) and the composition and nature of small bodies (the building blocks of the solar system). The Aladdin mission has been selected as a finalist in both the 1997 and 1999 Discovery competitions based on the high quality of science it would accomplish. The equivalent of Aladdin's Phase A development has been successfully completed, yielding a high degree of technical maturity. Aladdin uses an innovative flyby sample acquisition method, which has been validated experimentally and does not require soft landing or anchoring. An initial phasing orbit at Mars reduces mission propulsion requirements, enabling Aladdin to use proven, low-risk chemical propulsion with good mass margin. This phasing orbit is followed by a five month elliptical mission during which there are redundant opportunities for acquisition of samples and characterization of their geologic context using remote sensing. The Aladdin mission is a partnership between Brown University, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, and NASA Johnson Space Center.