OH/H2O characterization of near-Earth asteroids using 3-micron spectroscopy
Abstract
Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) are excellent laboratories for processes that affect the surfaces of airless bodies. Most NEAs were not expected to contain OH/H2O on their surfaces because they formed in the anhydrous regions of the Solar System and their surface temperatures are high enough to evaporate such volatiles. However, OH/H2O has been discovered on other seemingly dry bodies in the inner Solar System, such as the Moon and Vesta, with recent discoveries of OH/H2O on the two largest NEAs. Possible sources for OH/H2O on these bodies include impacts of carbonaceous material and solar wind proton implantation, though the factors that control the latter mechanism are unclear. The survey conducted by this study will enable determinations of OH/H2O delivery and retention controlling factors, allowing for a better understanding of the volatile content of near-Earth space.
- Publication:
-
EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2019
- Pub Date:
- September 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019EPSC...13..709M