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Thermal Emission Spectroscopy of 1 Ceres: Evidence for OlivineThermal emission spectra of the largest asteroid, 1 Ceres, obtained from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory display features that may provide information about its surface mineralogy. The emissivity, obtained by dividing the spectra by a standard thermal model, is compared with emissivity spectra of olivines and phyllosilicates deduced via Kirchoff's law from reflectivity measurements. The spectra provide a fairly good match to fine grained olivines (0 to 5 micrometer size range). The smoothness of the spectrum beyond 18 micrometers is an indication of particles smaller than 50 micrometers. While the abrupt rise in emissivity near 8 micrometers matches many silicates, the distinct emissivity minimum centered near 12.8 micrometers is consistant with iron-poor olivines, but not with phyllosilicates. It suggests the presence of opaques and does not exclude a mixture with organics and fine-grained phyllosilicates.
Document ID
20010000326
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Witteborn, Fred. C. (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Inst. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Roush, Ted L. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Cohen, Martin (Vanguard Research, Inc. Scotts Valley, CA United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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