MeV Ion Irradiation of Galilean Satellite compositional analogues
EMSL Project ID
2040
Abstract
This project will explore the effects that MeV irradaion has on candidate compositional analogues of surface non-ice materials s of the the Galilean satellites Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede. The objective of this research is to determine if proton irradation of the Galilean satellites is a signficant factor in their surface compostions. The initial Europa candidate non-ice material to be explored is epsomite. The Callisto non-ice candidate materials to be investigated are Mauna Kea palagonite (a partly amorphous iron oxide), several phyllosilicates, and possibly a sample of the CM3 Murchison meteorite. We will irradiate each sample with doses of MeV protons of similar magnitude which has irradiated the surfaces of these moons' trailing hemispheres. The effect of the irradiation will be investigated through visible and near infrared spectroscopy, comparing the spectra of irradiated and non-irradiated samples obtained at the University of Hawaii. Comparisons will then be made between the spectra of the irradiated samples and near infrared reflection spectra of the satallites which has been obtained by telescopic and spacecraft (the Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer aboard the Galileo spacecraft) observations.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2000-07-31
End Date
2000-08-10
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members