NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Collections About News Help Login
Back to Results
Mercury: Mid-infrared (7.3 - 13.5 microns) spectroscopic observations showing features characteristic of plagioclaseMid-infrared spectroscopic observations of the surface of Mercury are reported for the wavelength range 7.3 to 13.5 microns. The observed spectral radiance emanated from equatorial and low latitude regions between 110-130 deg Mercurian longitude. The area is primarily an intercrater plain. The spectra show distinct and recognizable features, the principal Christiansen emission peak being the most prominent. The Christiansen feature strongly suggests the presence of plagioclase (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)AlSi2O8, (in particular labradorite: Ab(50) - Ab(30)). In addition we have studied the effects of thermal gradients to gain insight into the effects of thermal conditions on the spectral radiance of rock samples. This simulates the thermophysical effects as the rotating surface of Mercury is alternately heated and cooled. The spectral features of the samples are retained; however, the relative and absolute amplitudes vary as illustrated by laboratory reflectance and emittance spectra from quartzite.
Document ID
19940031643
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kozlowski, R. W. H. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ., United States)
Sprague, A. L. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ., United States)
Witteborn, F. C. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Cruikshank, D. P. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Wooden, D. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Snyder, K. D. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Inst., The Twenty-Fifth Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. Part 2: H-O
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
94N36150
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Related Records

There are no records associated with this record.
No Preview Available