Effects of Space Weathering on Reflectance Spectra of Ureilites: First Studies

Goodrich, C A ; Gillis-Davis, J ; Cloutis, E ; Applin, D ; Takir, D ; Hibbitts, C ; Christoffersen, R ; Fries, M ; Klima, R ; Decker, S

关键词: SPACE WEATHERING;    CARBONACEOUS CHONDRITES;    ASTEROIDS;    METEORITES;    ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRA;    UREILITES;    MINERALOGY;    ROCKS;    SPECTRA;    REFLECTANCE;   

RP-ID  :  JSC-E-DAA-TN52096

学科分类：天文学(综合)

美国|英语

来源: NASA Technical Reports Server

【 摘 要 】

Ureilites are differentiated meteorites (ultramafic rocks interpreted to be mantle residues) that contain as much carbon as the most carbon-rich carbonaceous chondrites (CCs). Reflectance spectra of ureilites are similar to those of some CCs. Hence, ureilitic asteroids may accidentally be categorized as primitive because their spectra could resemble those of C-complex asteroids, which are thought to be CC-like. We began spectral studies of progressively laser-weathered ureilites with the goals of predicting UV-VIS-IR spectra of ureilitic asteroids, and identifying features that could distinguish differentiated from primitive dark asteroids. Space weathering has not previously been studied for ureilites, and, based on space weathering studies of CCs and other C-rich materials, it could significantly alter their reflectance spectra.