| 1. |
- Jones, Geraint H., et al.
(author)
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The Comet Interceptor Mission
- 2024
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In: Space Science Reviews. - : Springer Nature. - 0038-6308 .- 1572-9672. ; 220:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Here we describe the novel, multi-point Comet Interceptor mission. It is dedicated to the exploration of a little-processed long-period comet, possibly entering the inner Solar System for the first time, or to encounter an interstellar object originating at another star. The objectives of the mission are to address the following questions: What are the surface composition, shape, morphology, and structure of the target object? What is the composition of the gas and dust in the coma, its connection to the nucleus, and the nature of its interaction with the solar wind? The mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2018, and formally adopted by the agency in June 2022, for launch in 2029 together with the Ariel mission. Comet Interceptor will take advantage of the opportunity presented by ESA’s F-Class call for fast, flexible, low-cost missions to which it was proposed. The call required a launch to a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L2 point. The mission can take advantage of this placement to wait for the discovery of a suitable comet reachable with its minimum Δ V capability of 600 ms − 1 . Comet Interceptor will be unique in encountering and studying, at a nominal closest approach distance of 1000 km, a comet that represents a near-pristine sample of material from the formation of the Solar System. It will also add a capability that no previous cometary mission has had, which is to deploy two sub-probes – B1, provided by the Japanese space agency, JAXA, and B2 – that will follow different trajectories through the coma. While the main probe passes at a nominal 1000 km distance, probes B1 and B2 will follow different chords through the coma at distances of 850 km and 400 km, respectively. The result will be unique, simultaneous, spatially resolved information of the 3-dimensional properties of the target comet and its interaction with the space environment. We present the mission’s science background leading to these objectives, as well as an overview of the scientific instruments, mission design, and schedule.
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| 2. |
- Lukmanov, Rustam A., et al.
(author)
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High Mass Resolution fs-LIMS Imaging and Manifold Learning Reveal Insight Into Chemical Diversity of the 1.88 Ga Gunflint Chert
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in space technologies. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2673-5075. ; 3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Extraction of useful information from unstructured, large and complex mass spectrometric signals is a challenge in many application fields of mass spectrometry. Therefore, new data analysis approaches are required to help uncover the complexity of such signals. In this contribution, we examined the chemical composition of the 1.88 Ga Gunflint chert using the newly developed high mass resolution laser ionization mass spectrometer (fs-LIMS-GT). We report results on the following: 1) mass-spectrometric multi-element imaging of the Gunflint chert sample; and 2) identification of multiple chemical entities from spatial mass spectrometric data utilizing nonlinear dimensionality reduction and spectral similarity networks. The analysis of 40 ' 000 mass spectra reveals the presence of chemical heterogeneity (seven minor compounds) and two large clusters of spectra registered from the organic material and inorganic host mineral. Our results show the utility of fs-LIMS imaging in combination with manifold learning methods in studying chemically diverse samples.
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| 3. |
- Tulej, Marek, et al.
(author)
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CAMAM : A Miniature Laser Ablation Ionisation Mass Spectrometer and Microscope-Camera System for In Situ Investigation of the Composition and Morphology of Extraterrestrial Materials
- 2014
-
In: Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research. - 1639-4488 .- 1751-908X. ; 38:4, s. 441-466
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Performance studies of a microscope-camera system (MCS) and a laser ablation/ionisation mass spectrometer (LIMS) instrument (referred to here as a laser mass spectrometer or LMS) are presented. These two instruments were designed independently for in situ analysis of solids on planetary surfaces and will be combined to a single miniature instrument suite for in situ chemical and morphological analysis of surface materials on planetary bodies. LMS can perform sensitive chemical (elemental, isotope and molecular) analyses with spatial resolution close to micrometre-sized grains. It allows for studies with mass resolution (M/M) up to 800 in ablation mode (elemental composition) and up to 1500 in desorption mode (molecular analysis). With an effective dynamic range of at least eight orders of magnitude, sensitive and quantitative measurements can be conducted of almost all elements and isotopes with a concentration larger than a few ppb atoms. Hence, in addition to the major element composition, which is important for the determination of mineralogical constituents of surface materials, trace elements can also be measured to provide information on mineral formation processes. Highly accurate isotope ratio measurements can be used to determine in situ geochronology of sample material and for investigations of various isotope fractionation processes. MCS can conduct optical imagery of mm-sized objects at several wavelengths with micrometre spatial resolution for the characterisation of morphological surface details and to provide insight into surface mineralogy. Furthermore, MCS can help in the selection of sample surface areas for further mass spectrometric analysis of the chemical composition. Surface auto-fluorescence measurements and images in polarised light are additional capabilities of the MCS, to identify either fluorescing minerals or organic materials, if present on the analysed surface, for further investigation by LMS. The results obtained by investigations of NIST reference materials, amino acid films and a natural graphite sample embedded in silicate rock are presented to illustrate the performance of the instruments and their potential to deliver chemical information for mineral and organic phases in their geological context.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Biber, Herbert, et al.
(author)
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Solar wind Helium ion interaction with Mg and Fe rich pyroxene as Mercury surface analogue
- 2020
-
In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B. - : ELSEVIER. - 0168-583X .- 1872-9584. ; 480, s. 10-15
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The surface of Mercury is continuously exposed to impinging solar wind ions. To improve the understanding of space weathering and exosphere formation, a detailed investigation of the ion-surface interaction is necessary. Magnesium and iron rich pyroxene (Ca,Mg,Fe)(2)[Si2O6] samples were used as analogues for Mercury's surface and irradiated with He+ ions at solar wind energies of 4 keV. Several regimes of implantation and sputtering were observed there. The total estimated mass of implanted He coincides with the mass decrease due to He outgassing during subsequent Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy measurements. Comparison to established modeling efforts and SDTrimSP simulations show that a He saturation concentration of 10 at.% has to be assumed. A complete removal of He is observed by heating to 530 K. On the surface of Mercury, temperatures between about 100 K and 700 K are expected. This temperature will therefore influence the implantation and release of He into Mercury's exosphere.
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| 6. |
- Blanc, Michel, et al.
(author)
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Joint Europa Mission (JEM) : a multi-scale study of Europa to characterize its habitability and search for extant life
- 2020
-
In: Planetary and Space Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0032-0633 .- 1873-5088. ; 193
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Europa is the closest and probably the most promising target to search for extant life in the Solar System, based on complementary evidence that it may fulfil the key criteria for habitability: the Galileo discovery of a sub-surface ocean; the many indications that the ice shell is active and may be partly permeable to transfer of chemical species, biomolecules and elementary forms of life; the identification of candidate thermal and chemical energy sources necessary to drive a metabolic activity near the ocean floor. In this article we are proposing that ESA collaborates with NASA to design and fly jointly an ambitious and exciting planetary mission, which we call the Joint Europa Mission (JEM), to reach two objectives: perform a full characterization of Europa's habitability with the capabilities of a Europa orbiter, and search for bio-signatures in the environment of Europa (surface, subsurface and exosphere) by the combination of an orbiter and a lander. JEM can build on the advanced understanding of this system which the missions preceding JEM will provide: Juno, JUICE and Europa Clipper, and on the Europa lander concept currently designed by NASA (Maize, report to OPAG, 2019). We propose the following overarching goals for our Joint Europa Mission (JEM): Understand Europa as a complex system responding to Jupiter system forcing, characterize the habitability of its potential biosphere, and search for life at its surface and in its sub-surface and exosphere. We address these goals by a combination of five Priority Scientific Objectives, each with focused measurement objectives providing detailed constraints on the science payloads and on the platforms used by the mission. The JEM observation strategy will combine three types of scientific measurement sequences: measurements on a high-latitude, low-altitude Europan orbit; in-situ measurements to be performed at the surface, using a soft lander; and measurements during the final descent to Europa's surface. The implementation of these three observation sequences will rest on the combination of two science platforms: a soft lander to perform all scientific measurements at the surface and sub-surface at a selected landing site, and an orbiter to perform the orbital survey and descent sequences. We describe a science payload for the lander and orbiter that will meet our science objectives. We propose an innovative distribution of roles for NASA and ESA; while NASA would provide an SLS launcher, the lander stack and most of the mission operations, ESA would provide the carrier-orbiter-relay platform and a stand-alone astrobiology module for the characterization of life at Europa's surface: the Astrobiology We Laboratory (AWL). Following this approach, JEM will be a major exciting joint venture to the outer Solar System of NASA and ESA, working together toward one of the most exciting scientific endeavours of the 21st century: to search for life beyond our own planet.
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| 7. |
- Ekenbäck, Andreas, et al.
(author)
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Energetic neutral atoms around HD 209458b : estimations of magnetospheric properties
- 2010
-
In: Astrophysical Journal. - Bristol : Institute of Physics (IOP). - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 709:2, s. 670-679
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- HD 209458b is an exoplanet found to transit the disk of its parent star. Observations have shown a broad absorption signature about the Ly alpha stellar line during transit, suggesting the presence of a thick cloud of atomic hydrogen around the "hot Jupiter" HD 209458b. This work expands on an earlier work studying the production of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) as a result of the interaction between the stellar wind and the exosphere. We present an improved flow model of HD 209458b and use stellar wind values similar to those in our solar system. We find that the ENA production is high enough to explain the observations, and we show that-using expected values for the stellar wind and exosphere-the spatial and velocity distributions of ENAs would give absorption in good agreement with the observations. We also study how the production of ENAs depends on the exospheric parameters and establish an upper limit for the obstacle standoff distance at approximately 4-10 planetary radii. Finally, we compare the results obtained for the obstacle standoff distance with existing exomagnetospheric models and show how the magnetic moment of HD 209458b can be estimated from ENA observations.
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| 8. |
- Futaana, Yoshifumi, et al.
(author)
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SELMA mission : How do airless bodies interact with space environment? The Moon as an accessible laboratory
- 2018
-
In: Planetary and Space Science. - : PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. - 0032-0633 .- 1873-5088. ; 156, s. 23-40
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Moon is an archetypal atmosphere-less celestial body in the Solar System. For such bodies, the environments are characterized by complex interaction among the space plasma, tenuous neutral gas, dust and the outermost layer of the surface. Here we propose the SELMA mission (Surface, Environment, and Lunar Magnetic Anomalies) to study how airless bodies interact with space environment. SELMA uses a unique combination of remote sensing via ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths, and energetic neutral atom imaging, as well as in situ measurements of exospheric gas, plasma, and dust at the Moon. After observations in a lunar orbit for one year, SELMA will conduct an impact experiment to investigate volatile content in the soil of the permanently shadowed area of the Shackleton crater. SELMA also carries an impact probe to sound the Reiner-Gamma mini-magnetosphere and its interaction with the lunar regolith from the SELMA orbit down to the surface. SELMA was proposed to the European Space Agency as a medium-class mission (M5) in October 2016. Research on the SELMA scientific themes is of importance for fundamental planetary sciences and for our general understanding of how the Solar System works. In addition, SELMA outcomes will contribute to future lunar explorations through qualitative characterization of the lunar environment and, in particular, investigation of the presence of water in the lunar soil, as a valuable resource to harvest from the lunar regolith.
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| 9. |
- Galli, André, et al.
(author)
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The tailward flow of energetic neutral atoms observed at Mars
- 2008
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In: Journal of Geophysical Research. - Washington : American Geophysical Union (AGU). - 0148-0227 .- 2156-2202. ; 113
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ASPERA-3 experiment on Mars Express provides the first measurements of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) from Mars. These measurements are used to study the global structure of the interaction of the solar wind with the Martian atmosphere. In this study we describe the tailward ENA flow observed at the nightside of Mars. After characterizing energy spectra of hydrogen ENA signals, we present composite images of the ENA intensities and compare them to theoretical predictions (empirical and MHD models). We find that the tailward flow of hydrogen ENAs is mainly generated by shocked solar wind protons. Despite intensive search, no oxygen ENAs above the instrument threshold are detected. The results challenge existing plasma models and constrain the hydrogen exospheric densities and atmospheric hydrogen and oxygen loss rates at low solar activity.
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| 10. |
- Holmström, Mats, et al.
(author)
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Energetic neutral atoms as the explanation for the high-velocity hydrogen around HD 209458b
- 2008
-
In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 451, s. 970-972
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Absorption in the stellar Lyman- (Ly) line observed during the transit of the extrasolar planet HD 209458b in front of its host star reveals high-velocity atomic hydrogen at great distances from the planet1, 2. This has been interpreted as hydrogen atoms escaping from the planet's exosphere1, 3, possibly undergoing hydrodynamic blow-off4, and being accelerated by stellar radiation pressure. Energetic neutral atoms around Solar System planets have been observed to form from charge exchange between solar wind protons and neutral hydrogen from the planetary exospheres5, 6, 7, however, and this process also should occur around extrasolar planets. Here we show that the measured transit-associated Ly absorption can be explained by the interaction between the exosphere of HD 209458b and the stellar wind, and that radiation pressure alone cannot explain the observations. As the stellar wind protons are the source of the observed energetic neutral atoms, this provides a way of probing stellar wind conditions, and our model suggests a slow and hot stellar wind near HD 209458b at the time of the observations. line observed during the transit of the extrasolar planet HD 209458b in front of its host star reveals high-velocity atomic hydrogen at great distances from the planet1, 2. This has been interpreted as hydrogen atoms escaping from the planet's exosphere1, 3, possibly undergoing hydrodynamic blow-off4, and being accelerated by stellar radiation pressure. Energetic neutral atoms around Solar System planets have been observed to form from charge exchange between solar wind protons and neutral hydrogen from the planetary exospheres5, 6, 7, however, and this process also should occur around extrasolar planets. Here we show that the measured transit-associated Ly absorption can be explained by the interaction between the exosphere of HD 209458b and the stellar wind, and that radiation pressure alone cannot explain the observations. As the stellar wind protons are the source of the observed energetic neutral atoms, this provides a way of probing stellar wind conditions, and our model suggests a slow and hot stellar wind near HD 209458b at the time of the observations.
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| 11. |
- Lue, Charles, et al.
(author)
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Chandrayaan-1 observations of backscattered solar wind protons from the lunar regolith : Dependence on the solar wind speed
- 2014
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In: Journal of Geophysical Research - Planets. - 2169-9097 .- 2169-9100. ; 119:5, s. 968-975
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We study the backscattering of solar wind protons from the lunar regolith using the Solar Wind Monitor of the Sub-keV Atom Reflecting Analyzer on Chandrayaan-1. Our study focuses on the component of the backscattered particles that leaves the regolith with a positive charge. We find that the fraction of the incident solar wind protons that backscatter as protons, i.e., the proton-backscattering efficiency, has an exponential dependence on the solar wind speed that varies from similar to 0.01% to similar to 1% for solar wind speeds of 250km/s to 550km/s. We also study the speed distribution of the backscattered protons in the fast (similar to 550km/s) solar wind case and find both a peak speed at similar to 80% of the solar wind speed and a spread of similar to 85km/s. The observed flux variations and speed distribution of the backscattered protons can be explained by a speed-dependent charge state of the backscattered particles.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Lue, Charles, et al.
(author)
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Scattering characteristics and imaging of energetic neutral atoms from the Moon in the terrestrial magnetosheath
- 2016
-
In: Journal of Geophysical Research - Space Physics. - 2169-9380 .- 2169-9402. ; 121:1, s. 432-445
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We study hydrogen energetic neutral atom (ENA) emissions from the lunar surface, when the Moon is inside the terrestrial magnetosheath. The ENAs are generated by neutralization and backscattering of incident protons of solar wind origin. First, we model the effect of the increased ion temperature in the magnetosheath (>10 times larger than that in the undisturbed solar wind) on the ENA scattering characteristics. Then, we apply these models to ENA measurements by Chandrayaan-1 and simultaneous ion measurements by Kaguya at the Moon, in the magnetosheath. We produce maps of the ENA scattering fraction, covering a region at the lunar near-side that includes mare and highland surfaces and several lunar magnetic anomalies. We see clear signatures of plasma shielding by the magnetic anomalies. The maps are made at different lunar local times, and the results indicate an extended influence and altered morphology of the magnetic anomalies at shallower incidence angles of the magnetosheath protons. The scattering fraction from the unmagnetized regions remains consistent with that in the undisturbed solar wind (10%-20%). Moreover, the observed ENA energy spectra are well reproduced by our temperature-dependent model. We conclude that the ENA scattering process is unchanged in the magnetosheath. Similarly to the undisturbed solar wind case, it is only magnetic anomalies that provide contrast in the ENA maps, not any selenomorphological features such as mare and highland regions.
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| 14. |
- Lue, Charles, et al.
(author)
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Solar wind scattering from the surface of Mercury : Lessons from the Moon
- 2017
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In: Icarus. - : Elsevier BV. - 0019-1035. ; 296, s. 39-48
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We discuss the surface-scattering of solar wind protons at Mercury based on observed scattering characteristics from lunar regolith. The properties of the impinging plasma are expected to be different between different regions on Mercury, and between Mercury and the Moon. Here, we review the expected Hermean plasma conditions and lunar empirical scattering models. We present observed and modeled energy spectra for scattered protons and hydrogen energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) for three cases of very different plasma conditions at the Moon. Then, we simulate scattering from the Hermean surface by applying the empirical models to four different scenarios of plasma precipitation on Mercury. The results suggest that surface-scattering is a strong source of ENAs at Mercury (up to similar to 10(8) cm(-2) s(-1)), which can be very useful for remote-sensing of the plasma conditions at the surface. Protons scattered from the surface back into space are also expected with high fluxes up to similar to 10(7) cm(-2) s(-1), and may be important for wave generation and the filling in of the loss cone of mirroring and quasi-trapped populations. Scattered protons at the cusp region (of similar to 10(6) cm(-2) s(-1)) can potentially be detected by orbiters as outflowing protons within the loss cone.
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| 15. |
- Lue, Charles, et al.
(author)
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Strong influence of lunar crustal fields on the solar wind flow
- 2011
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In: Geophysical Research Letters. - 0094-8276 .- 1944-8007. ; 38:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We discuss the influence of lunar magnetic anomalies on the solar wind and on the lunar surface, based on maps of solar wind proton fluxes deflected by the magnetic anomalies. The maps are produced using data from the Solar WInd Monitor (SWIM) onboard the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft. We find a high deflection efficiency (average ∼10%, locally ∼50%) over the large-scale (>1000 km) regions of magnetic anomalies. Deflections are also detected over weak (<3 nT at 30 km altitude) and small-scale (<100 km) magnetic anomalies, which might be explained by charge separation and the resulting electric potential. Strong deflection from a wide area implies that the magnetic anomalies act as a magnetosphere-like obstacle, affecting the upstream solar wind. It also reduces the implantation rate of the solar wind protons to the lunar surface, which may affect space weathering near the magnetic anomalies.
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| 16. |
- Lukmanov, Rustam A., et al.
(author)
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Chemical identification of microfossils from the 1.88-Ga Gunflint chert : Towards empirical biosignatures using laser ablation ionization mass spectrometer
- 2021
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In: Journal of Chemometrics. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0886-9383 .- 1099-128X. ; 35:10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this contribution, we investigated the chemical composition of Precambrian microfossils from the Gunflint chert (1.88 Ga) using a miniature laser ablation ionization mass spectrometer (LIMS) developed for in situ space applications. Spatially resolved mass spectrometric imaging (MSI) and depth profiling resulted in the acquisition of 68,500 mass spectra. Using single mass unit spectral decomposition and multivariate data analysis techniques, we identified the location of aggregations of microfossils and surrounding inorganic host mineral. Our results show that microfossils have unique chemical compositions that can be distinguished from the inorganic chert with high fidelity. Chemical depth profiling results also show that with LIMS microprobe data, it is possible to identify chemical differences between individual microfossils, thereby providing new insights about nature of early life. Analysis of LIMS spectra acquired from the individual microfossils reveals complex mineralization, which can reflect the metabolic diversity of the Gunflint microbiome. An intensity-based machine learning model trained on LIMS Gunflint data might be applied for the future investigations of putative microfossils from silicified matrices, where morphological integrity of investigated structures is lost, and potentially in the investigation of rocks acquired from the Martian surface.
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| 17. |
- Lukmanov, Rustam A., et al.
(author)
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Multiwavelength Ablation/Ionization and Mass Spectrometric Analysis of 1.88 Ga Gunflint Chert
- 2022
-
In: Astrobiology. - : Mary Ann Liebert. - 1531-1074 .- 1557-8070. ; 22:4, s. 369-386
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The investigation of chemical composition on planetary bodies without significant sample processing is of importance for nearly every mission aimed at robotic exploration. Moreover, it is a necessary tool to achieve the longstanding goal of finding evidence of life beyond Earth, for example, possibly preserved microbial remains within martian sediments. Our Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometer (LIMS) is a compact time-of-flight mass spectrometer intended to investigate the elemental, isotope, and molecular composition of a wide range of solid samples, including e.g., low bulk density organic remains in microfossils. Here, we present an overview of the instrument and collected chemical spectrometric data at the micrometer level from a Precambrian chert sample (1.88 Ga Gunflint Formation, Ontario, Canada), which is considered to be a martian analogue. Data were collected from two distinct zones-a silicified host area and a carbon-bearing microfossil assemblage zone. We performed these measurements using an ultrafast pulsed laser system (pulse width of similar to 180 fs) with multiple wavelengths (infrared [IR]-775 nm, ultraviolet [UV]-387 nm, UV-258 nm) and using a pulsed high voltage on the mass spectrometer to reveal small organic signals. We investigated (1) the chemical composition of the sample and (2) the different laser wavelengths' performance to provide chemical depth profiles in silicified media. Our key findings are as follows: (1) microfossils from the Gunflint chert reveal a distinct chemical composition compared with the host mineralogy (we report the identification of 24 elements in the microfossils); (2) detection of the pristine composition of microfossils and co-occurring fine chemistry (rare earth elements) requires utilization of the depth profiling measurement protocol; and (3) our results show that, for analysis of heterogeneous material from siliciclastic deposits, siliceous sinters, and cherts, the most suitable wavelength for laser ablation/Ionization is UV-258 nm.
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| 18. |
- Lukmanov, Rustam A., et al.
(author)
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On Topological Analysis of fs-LIMS Data. Implications for in Situ Planetary Mass Spectrometry
- 2021
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In: Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2624-8212. ; 4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this contribution, we present results of non-linear dimensionality reduction and classification of the fs laser ablation ionization mass spectrometry (LIMS) imaging dataset acquired from the Precambrian Gunflint chert (1.88 Ga) using a miniature time-of-flight mass spectrometer developed for in situ space applications. We discuss the data generation, processing, and analysis pipeline for the classification of the recorded fs-LIMS mass spectra. Further, we define topological biosignatures identified for Precambrian Gunflint microfossils by projecting the recorded fs-LIMS intensity space into low dimensions. Two distinct subtypes of microfossil-related spectra, a layer of organic contamination and inorganic quartz matrix were identified using the fs-LIMS data. The topological analysis applied to the fs-LIMS data allows to gain additional knowledge from large datasets, formulate hypotheses and quickly generate insights from spectral data. Our contribution illustrates the utility of applying spatially resolved mass spectrometry in combination with topology-based analytics in detecting signatures of early (primitive) life. Our results indicate that fs-LIMS, in combination with topological methods, provides a powerful analytical framework and could be applied to the study of other complex mineralogical samples.
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| 19. |
- Mogan, Shane R. Carberry R., et al.
(author)
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Callisto's Atmosphere : First Evidence for H-2 and Constraints on H2O
- 2022
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In: Journal of Geophysical Research - Planets. - : American Geophysical Union (AGU). - 2169-9097 .- 2169-9100. ; 127:11
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We explore the parameter space for the contribution to Callisto's H corona observed by the Hubble Space Telescope from sublimated H2O and radiolytically produced H-2 using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method. The spatial morphology of this corona produced via photoelectron and magnetospheric electron-impact-induced dissociation is described by tracking the motion of and simulating collisions between the hot H atoms and thermal molecules including a near-surface O-2 component. Our results indicate that sublimated H2O produced from the surface ice, whether assumed to be intimately mixed with or distinctly segregated from the dark nonice or ice-poor regolith, cannot explain the observed structure of the H corona. On the other hand, a global H-2 component can reproduce the observation, and is also capable of producing the enhanced electron densities observed at high altitudes by Galileo's plasma-wave instrument, providing the first evidence of H-2 in Callisto's atmosphere. The range of H-2 surface densities explored, under a variety of conditions, that are consistent with these observations is similar to(0.4-1) x 10(8) cm(-3). The simulated H-2 escape rates and estimated lifetimes suggest that Callisto has a neutral H-2 torus. We also place a rough upper limit on the peak H2O number density (less than or similar to 10(8) cm(-3)), column density (less than or similar to 10(15) cm(-2)), and sublimation flux (less than or similar to 10(12) cm(-2) s(-1)), all of which are 1-2 orders of magnitude less than that assumed in previous models. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results, as well as how they compare to Europa and Ganymede.
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| 20. |
- Neubeck, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Mineralogical determination in situ of a highly heterogeneous material using a miniaturized laser ablation mass spectrometer with high spatial resolution
- 2016
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In: International Journal of Astrobiology. - 1473-5504 .- 1475-3006. ; 15:2, s. 133-146
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Techniques enabling in situ elemental and mineralogical analysis on extraterrestrial planets are strongly required for upcoming missions and are being continuously developed. There is ample need for quantitative and high-sensitivity analysis of elemental as well as isotopic composition of heterogeneous materials. Here we present in situ spatial and depth elemental profiles of a heterogeneous rock sample on a depth-scale of nanometres using a miniaturized laser ablation mass spectrometer (LMS) designed for planetary space missions. We show that the LMS spectra alone could provide highly detailed compositional, three-dimensional information and oxidation properties of a natural, heterogeneous rock sample. We also show that a combination of the LMS and Raman spectroscopy provide comprehensive mineralogical details of the investigated sample. These findings are of great importance for future space missions where quick, in situ determination of the mineralogy could play a role in the process of selecting a suitable spot for drilling.
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| 21. |
- Roth, Lorenz, et al.
(author)
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Ganymede’s tenuous atmosphere
- 2024. - 1
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In: Ganymede. - Cambridge, UK : Cambridge University Press.
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ganymede possesses a tenuous water-based atmosphere, thought to be produced by the solar and Jovian plasma irradiation of its icy surface. Observational evidence for Ganymede's atmosphere is provided by far-ultraviolet (FUV) emission from the atomic oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H) constituents. The relative strengths of the two observed FUV atomic oxygen emission multiplets, which are produced by electron-impact on the atmosphere, allow inference of molecular O2 and H2O components and their relative abundances. Minor species besides O and H have not been detected and the observational constraints can be considered loose overall, partly due to the inherent ambiguity and difficulty in relating the electron-excited emissions to atmospheric properties. Much of our understanding of the configuration of Ganymede’s atmosphere is based on modelling efforts. The modelling studies suggest that O2 is produced primarily through radiolysis and sputtering by the plasma precipitation in the icy polar regions. Since it does not condense, O2 is yet abundant everywhere and likely the dominant species over most of the surface. Ice sublimation increases the abundance of H2O near the sub-solar point, locally exceeding the O2 abundance. The high altitudes, in contrast, are expected to be primarily populated by the lighter H2 molecules everywhere. Inferred column densities for the primary molecules, O2 and H2O, are on the order of 1014 cm-2 to 1015 cm-2. In addition, models suggest that the atmosphere is collisional only up to a few tens of kilometers above the surface, particular in the dense sub-solar region.
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| 22. |
- Rothery, David, et al.
(author)
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Mercury's surface and composition to be studied by BepiColombo
- 2010
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In: Planetary and Space Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0032-0633 .- 1873-5088. ; 58:1-2, s. 21-39
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We describe the contributions that we expect the BepiColombo mission to make towards increased knowledge and understanding of Mercury's surface and composition. BepiColornbo will have a larger and more capable Suite of instruments relevant for determination of the topographic, physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of the surface than carried by NASA's MESSENGER mission. We anticipate that the insights gained into the planet's geological history and its current space weathering environment will enable us to understand the relationships between surface composition and the composition of different types of crust. This will enable estimation of the composition of the mantle from which the crust was derived, and lead to better constraints on models for Mercury's origin and the nature of the material from which it formed.
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| 23. |
- Szabo, Paul S., et al.
(author)
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Dynamic Potential Sputtering of Lunar Analog Material by Solar Wind Ions
- 2020
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - : IOP PUBLISHING LTD. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 891:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pyroxenes ((Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn)(2)Si2O6) belong to the most abundant rock forming minerals that make up the surface of rocky planets and moons. Therefore, sputtering of pyroxenes by solar wind ions has to be considered as a very important process for modifying the surface of planetary bodies. This is increased due to potential sputtering by multiply charged ions; to quantify this effect, sputtering of wollastonite (CaSiO3) by He2+ ions was investigated. Thin films of CaSiO3 deposited on a quartz crystal microbalance were irradiated, allowing precise, in situ, real time sputtering yield measurements. Experimental results were compared with SDTrimSP simulations, which were improved by adapting the used input parameters. On freshly prepared surfaces, He2+ ions show a significant increase in sputtering, as compared to equally fast He+ ions. However, the yield decreases exponentially with fluence, reaching a lower steady state after sputtering of the first few monolayers. Experiments using Ar8+ ions show a similar behavior, which is qualitatively explained by a preferential depletion of surface oxygen due to potential sputtering. A corresponding quantitative model is applied, and the observed potential sputtering behaviors of both He and Ar are reproduced very well. The results of these calculations support the assumption that mainly O atoms are affected by potential sputtering. Based on our findings, we discuss the importance of potential sputtering for the solar wind eroding the lunar surface. Estimated concentration changes and sputtering yields are both in line with previous modeling for other materials, allowing a consistent perspective on the effects of solar wind potential sputtering.
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| 24. |
- Tosi, F., et al.
(author)
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Characterization of the Surfaces and Near-Surface Atmospheres of Ganymede, Europa and Callisto by JUICE
- 2024
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In: Space Science Reviews. - 0038-6308 .- 1572-9672. ; 220:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the state of the art on the study of surfaces and tenuous atmospheres of the icy Galilean satellites Ganymede, Europa and Callisto, from past and ongoing space exploration conducted with several spacecraft to recent telescopic observations, and we show how the ESA JUICE mission plans to explore these surfaces and atmospheres in detail with its scientific payload. The surface geology of the moons is the main evidence of their evolution and reflects the internal heating provided by tidal interactions. Surface composition is the result of endogenous and exogenous processes, with the former providing valuable information about the potential composition of shallow subsurface liquid pockets, possibly connected to deeper oceans. Finally, the icy Galilean moons have tenuous atmospheres that arise from charged particle sputtering affecting their surfaces. In the case of Europa, plumes of water vapour have also been reported, whose phenomenology at present is poorly understood and requires future close exploration. In the three main sections of the article, we discuss these topics, highlighting the key scientific objectives and investigations to be achieved by JUICE. Based on a recent predicted trajectory, we also show potential coverage maps and other examples of reference measurements. The scientific discussion and observation planning presented here are the outcome of the JUICE Working Group 2 (WG2): “Surfaces and Near-surface Exospheres of the Satellites, dust and rings”.
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| 25. |
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