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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2010.04.024 Byline: F. De Luise (a)(b), E. Dotto (a), S. Fornasier (c)(d), M.A. Barucci (c), N. Pinilla-Alonso (e)(f), D. Perna (a)(c)(g), F. Marzari (h) Keywords: Trojan asteroids; Asteroids; surface; Asteroids; composition; Spectroscopy Abstract: The Eurybates family is a compact core inside the Menelaus clan, located in the L.sub.4 swarm of Jupiter Trojans. Fornasier et al. (Fornasier, S., Dotto, E., Hainaut, O., Marzari, F., Boehnhardt, H., De Luise, F., Barucci, M.A. [2007]. Icarus 190, 622-642) found that this family exhibits a peculiar abundance of spectrally flat objects, similar to Chiron-like Centaurs and C-type main belt asteroids. On the basis of the visible spectra available in literature, Eurybates family's members seemed to be good candidates for having on their surfaces water/water ice or aqueous altered materials. To improve our knowledge of the surface composition of this peculiar family, we carried out an observational campaign at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG), obtaining near-infrared spectra of 7 members. Our data show a surprisingly absence of any spectral feature referable to the presence of water, ices or aqueous altered materials on the surface of the observed objects. Models of the surface composition are attempted, evidencing that amorphous carbon seems to dominate the surface composition of the observed bodies and some amount of silicates (olivine) could be present. Author Affiliation: (a) INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Via Frascati 33, 00040 Monteporzio Catone (Roma), Italy (b) INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Collurania-Teramo, Via Mentore Maggini, s.n.c., 64100 Teramo (TE), Italy (c) LESIA, Paris Observatory, 5 Place Jules Janssen, 92195 Meudon Cedex, France (d) University of Paris VII 'Denis Diderot', 4 rue Elsa Morante, 75013 Paris, France (e) Fundacion Galileo Galilei & Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, PO Box 565, 38700 S/C de La Palma, Tenerife, Spain (f) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) - NASA Ames Research Center, MS 245-3, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000, USA (g) University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Roma, Italy (h) Dipartimento di Fisica - University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, 35131 Padova, Italy Article History: Received 30 January 2009; Revised 23 April 2010; Accepted 28 April 2010 Article Note: (footnote) [star] Based on observations made with the Italian Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) operated on the island of La Palma by the Fundacion Galileo Galilei of the INAF (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica) at the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, programmes: TAC41(AOT14) and TAC69(AOT15).

Author(s): A. Sánchez-Lavega (corresponding author) [1]; G. S. Orton [2]; R. Hueso [1]; E. García-Melendo [3]; S. Pérez-Hoyos [1]; A. Simon-Miller [4]; J. F. Rojas [5]; J. M. Gómez [3]; [...]

On 4 July 2005, many observatories around the world and in space observed the collision of Deep Impact with comet 9P/Tempel 1 or its aftermath. This was an unprecedented coordinated observational campaign. These data show that (i) there was new material after impact that was compositionally different from that seen before impact; (ii) the ratio of dust mass to gas mass in the ejecta was much larger than before impact; (iii) the new activity did not last more than a few days, and by 9 July the comet's behavior was indistinguishable from its pre-impact behavior; and (iv) there were interesting transient phenomena that may be correlated with cratering physics., The Deep Impact mission was designed so that much of the mission-critical science would be done from Earth-based telescopes. These facilities would observe the comet before, during, and after impact [...]

Context. Asteroid families are witnesses to the intense collisional evolution that occurred on the asteroid belt. The study of the physical properties of family members can provide important information about the state of differentiation of the parent body and provide insights into how these objects were formed. Several of these asteroid families identified across the main belt are dominated by low-albedo, primitive asteroids. These objects are important for the study of Solar System formation because they were subject to weaker thermophysical processing and provide information about the early conditions of our planetary system. Aims. We aim to study the diversity of physical properties among the Themis, Hygiea, Ursula, Veritas, and Lixiaohua families. Methods. We present new spectroscopic data, combined with a comprehensive analysis using a variety of data available in the literature, such as albedo and rotational properties. Results. Our results show that Themis and Hygiea families, the largest families in the region, present similar levels of hydration. Ursula and Lixiaohua families are redder in comparison to the others and present no sign of hydrated members based on the analysis of visible spectra. Conversely, Veritas presents the highest fraction of hydrated members. Conclusions. This work demonstrates a diverse scenario in terms of the physical properties of primitive outer-belt families, which could be associated with dynamical mixing of asteroid populations and the level of differentiation of the parental body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this work is to compositionally analyse the visible to near-infrared spectra of a total of six V-type candidates identified using the MOVIS (Y - J) versus (J - Ks) colour–colour plot and located outside the Vesta collisional family. We obtained visible and near-infrared spectra of these asteroids using the 2.54m Isaac Newton Telescope, the 2.5m Nordic Optical Telescope, and the 3.58m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, all located at the El Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory (La Palma, Spain), as well as the 3.0m NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, located at the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii. We computed several diagnostic spectral parameters (slopes, band centres, band depths, band area ratio, or BAR) and compared them to the ones known for HED meteorites and (4) Vesta. The taxonomic classification confirmed five out of the six candidates as V-types, leading to an identification success rate about 83 per cent. In general, the spectral parameters obtained for the five V-types are in good agreement with those of HED meteorites and (4) Vesta. The exception is asteroid (2452) Lyot, a V-type in the outer belt, located very close to (1459) Magnya, but showing distinct [Wo] and [Fs] molar contents both from Magnya and Vesta, pointing toward a diogenitic compostion. We also studied the dependency of the BAR parameter on the way it is computed (removing or not the continuum), the spectral slope, and the last point used to delimit the right wing of the absorption band at 2 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. B-type asteroids constitute a peculiar spectral class within the C-complex. Previous work has pointed out the difference between the visible geometric albedos of B-types and those of the Pallas collisional family (PCF), whose few members with observed spectra are B-types (one exception out of eight objects). This has been interpreted as being due to compositional differences. However, the PCF members are typically smaller than the spectroscopically classified B-types, and the following possibilities have not been ruled out: the albedo differences might be related to a size-albedo dependence and/or to the generally larger errors of the WISE data and best-fitting values of the derived parameters expected for smaller objects. Aims. We compare albedos and beaming parameters of PCF members and B-types of similar sizes and re-examine our conclusion on the different composition of the PCF. Methods. By modelling their WISE/NEOWISE data, we derived sizes and albedos of all objects whose Sloan Digital Sky Survey reflectances are similar to the typical B-type reflectance spectra. In particular, we derived the so-called infrared beaming parameters (η), effective diameters (D), and corresponding visible geometric albedos (pV), and studied their value distributions. Results. We obtained the effective diameter and geometric visible albedo for ~600 B-type asteroids whose sizes range between 2 and 100 km, approximately half of which have fitted η-values that are inversely correlated to size. We found that the albedo distributions of the PCF is significantly different from that of other B-types in the same size range (2-20 km), and we rule out any size-albedo dependency or biases related to the lower quality of the pV-values of smaller objects. In addition, we also found differences between the η-value distribution of the PCF and the other similarly-sized B-types. Conclusions. The differences in the visible albedos of PCF members and the other B-types of similar sizes is a strong indication that their compositions are different. The trend between beaming parameter and size of the B-types (excluding the PCF) is consistent with the expectation that the surfaces of smaller asteroids have coarser rocks than do those of larger objects (D > 40 km), which are thought to be covered by a finer, more insulating layer of dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature 451, 437-440 (2008) In Fig. 3a, the descriptions of the continuous and dotted curves were inadvertently swapped. The continuous line corresponds to the modified synthetic thermal profile (storms reaching [...]

Context. Icy dwarf planets are key for studying the chemical and physical states of ices in the outer solar system. The study of secular and rotational variations gives us hints of the processes that contribute to the evolution of their surface. Aims. The aim of this work is to search for rotational variability on the surface composition of the dwarf planet (136472) Makemake Methods. We observed Makemake in April 2008 with the medium-resolution spectrograph ISIS, at the William Herschel Telescope (La Palma, Spain) and obtained a set of spectra in the 0.28-0.52 μm and 0.70-0.95 μm ranges, covering 82% of its rotational period. For the rotational analysis, we organized the spectra in four different sets corresponding to different rotational phases, and after discarding one with low signal to noise, we analyzed three of them that cover 71% of the surface. For these spectra we computed the spectral slope and compared the observed spectral bands of methane ice with reflectances of pure methane ice to search for shifts of the center of the bands, related to the presence of CH4/N2 solid solution. Results. All the spectra have a red color with spectral slopes between 20%/1000 Å and 32%/1000 Å in accordance with previously reported values. Some variation in the spectral slope is detected, pointing to the possibility of a variation in the surface content or the particle size of the solid organic compound. The absorption bands of methane ice present a shift toward shorter wavelengths, indicating that methane (at least partially) is in solid solution with nitrogen. There is no variation within the errors of the shifts with the wavelength or with the depth of the bands, so there is no evidence of variation in the CH4/N2 mixing ratio with rotation. By comparing with all the available data in the literature, no secular compositional variations between 2005 and 2008 is found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. A stellar occultation observed on 3rd June 2013 revealed the presence of two dense and narrow rings separated by a small gap around the Centaur object (10 199) Chariklo. The composition of these rings is not known. We suspect that water ice is present in the rings, as is the case for Saturn and other rings around the giant planets. Aims. In this work, we aim to determine if the variability in the absolute magnitude of Chariklo and the temporal variation of the spectral ice feature, even when it disappeared in 2007, can be explained by an icy ring system whose aspect angle changes with time. Methods. We explained the variations on the absolute magnitude of Chariklo and its ring by modeling the light reflected by a system as the one described above. Using X-shooter at VLT, we obtained a new reflectance spectra. We compared this new set of data with the ones available in the literature. We showed how the water ice feature is visible in 2013 in accordance with the ring configuration, which had an opening angle of nearly 34° in 2013. Finally, we also used models of light scattering to fit the visible and near-infrared spectra that shows different characteristics to obtain information on the composition of Chariklo and its rings. Results. We showed that absolute photometry of Chariklo from the literature and new photometric data that we obtained in 2013 can be explained by a ring of particles whose opening angle changes as a function of time. We used the two possible pole solutions for the ring system and found that only one of them, α = 151.30 ± 0.5, δ = 41.48 ± 0.2° (λ = 137.9 ± 0.5,β = 27.7 ± 0.2°), provides the right variation of the aspect angle with time to explain the photometry, whereas the other possible pole solution fails to explain the photometry. From spectral modeling, we derived the composition of the Chariklo surface and that of the rings using the result on the pole solution. Chariklo surface is composed with about 60% of amorphous carbon, 30% of silicates and 10% of organics; no water ice was found on the surface. The ring, on the other hand, contains 20% of water ice, 40-70% of silicates, and 10-30% of tholins and small quantities of amorphous carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Centaurs are the transitional population between trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Jupiter-family comets. Their physical properties provide an insight into TNO properties, but only under restricted conditions since Centaurs are closer to the Sun and Earth. For this reason it is possible to access the smaller ones, which is more difficult to do with the TNO population. Aims. The goal of this work is to characterize a set of 16 Centaurs in terms of their size, albedo, and thermal properties. We study the correlations, for a more extended sample obtained from the literature, of diameter, albedo, orbital parameters, and spectral slopes. Methods. We performed three-band photometric observations using Herschel-PACS and used a consistent method for the data reduction and aperture photometry of this sample to obtain monochromatic flux densities at 70, 100, and 160 μm. Additionally, we used Spitzer-MIPS flux densities at 24 and 70 μm when available. We also included in our Centaur sample scattered disk objects, a dynamical family of TNOs, using results previously published by our team, and some Centaurs observed only with the Spitzer-MIPS instrument. Results. We have determined new radiometric sizes and albedos of 16 Centaurs. The first conclusion is that the albedos of Centaur objects are not correlated with their orbital parameters. Similarly, there is no correlation between diameter and orbital parameters. Most of the objects in our sample are dark (pv < 7%) and most of them are small (D < 120 km). However, there is no correlation between albedo and diameter, in particular for the group of small objects as albedo values are homogeneously distributed between 4 to 16%. The correlation with the color of the objects showed that red objects are all small (mean diameter 65 km), while the gray ones span a wide range of sizes (mean diameter 120 km). Moreover, the gray objects tend to be darker, with a mean albedo of 5.6%, compared with a mean of 8.5% (ranging from 5 to 15%) for the red objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Models of the escape and retention of volatiles by minor icy objects exclude any presence of volatile ices on the surface of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) smaller than ~1000 km in diameter at the typical temperature in this region of the solar system, whereas the same models show that water ice is stable on the surface of objects over a wide range of diameters. Collisions and cometary activity have been used to explain the process of surface refreshing of TNOs and Centaurs. These processes can produce surface heterogeneity that can be studied by collecting information at different rotational phases. Aims. The aims of this work are to study the surface composition of (20000) Varuna, a TNO with a diameter 668+154 -86 km and to search for indications of rotational variability. Methods. We observed (20000) Varuna during two consecutive nights in January 2011 with the near-infrared camera and spectrometer NICS at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, La Palma, Spain.We used the low resolution mode with the AMICI prism to obtain a set of spectra covering the whole rotation period of the Varuna (Pr = 6.34 h). We fit the resulting relative reflectance with radiative transfer models of the surface of atmosphereless bodies. Results. After studying the spectra corresponding to different rotational phases of Varuna, we did not find any indication of surface variability at 2σ level. In all the spectra, we detect an absorption at 2.0 μm, suggesting the presence of water ice on the surface. We do not detect any other volatiles on the surface, although the signal-to-noise ratio is not high enough to discard their presence in small quantities. Based on scattering models, we present two possible compositions compatible with our set of data and discuss their implications in the framework of the collisional history of the trans-Neptunian belt. Conclusions. We find that the most probable composition for the surface of Varuna is a mixture of amorphous silicates, complex organics, and water ice. This composition is compatible with all the materials being primordial, so no replenishment mechanism is needed in the equation. However, our data can also be fitted by models containing up to a 10% of methane ice. For an object with the characteristics of Varuna, this volatile could not be primordial, so an event, such as an energetic impact, would be needed to explain its presence on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Near-Earth binary asteroid (175706) 1996 FG3 is the current backup target of the ESA MarcoPolo-R mission, selected for the study phase of ESA M3 missions. It is a primitive (C-type) asteroid that shows significant variation in its visible and near-infrared spectra. Aims. Here we present new visible and near-infrared spectra of 1996 FG3. We compare our new data with other published spectra, analysing the variation in the spectral slope. The asteroid will not be observable again over the next three years at least. Methods. We obtained visible and near-infrared spectra using DOLORES and NICS instruments, respectively, at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG), a 3.6 m telescope located at El Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma, Spain. To compare with other published spectra of the asteroid, we computed the spectral slope S′, and studied any plausible correlation of this quantity with the phase angle (α). Results. In the case of visible spectra, we find a variation in spectral slope of ΔS′ = 0.15 ± 0.10%/10³ Å/° for 3° < α < 18°, which is in good agreement with the values found in the literature for the phase reddening effect. In the case of the near-infrared, there seems to be a trend between the reddening of the spectra and the phase angle, excluding one point. We find a variation in the slope of ΔS′ = 0.04 ± 0.08%/10³ Å/° for 6° < α < 51°. Our computed variation in S′ is in good agreement with the only two values found in the literature for the phase reddening in the near-infrared. Conclusions. The variation in the spectral slope of asteroid 1996 FG3 shows a trend with the phase angle at the time of the observations, both in the visible and the near-infrared. It is worth noting that, to fully explain this spectral variability we should take into account other factors, like the position of the secondary component of the binary asteroid 1999 FG3 with respect to the primary, or the spin axis orientation at the time of the observations. More data are necessary for an analysis of this kind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the objects in the trans-Neptunian belt (TNb) and related populations move in prograde orbits with low eccentricity and inclination. However, the list of icy minor bodies moving in orbits with an inclination above 408 has increased in recent years. The origin of these bodies, and in particular of those objects in retrograde orbits, is not well determined, and different scenarios are considered, depending on their inclination and perihelion. In this paper, we present new observational and dynamical data of two objects in retrograde orbits, 2008 YB3 and 2005 VD.We find that the surface of these extreme objects is depleted of ices and does not contain the "ultra-red" matter typical of some Centaurs. Despite small differences, these objects share common colors and spectral characteristics with the Trojans, comet nuclei, and the group of grey Centaurs. All of these populations are supposed to be covered by a mantle of dust responsible for their reddish-to-neutral color. To investigate if the surface properties and dynamical evolution of these bodies are related, we integrate their orbits for 108 years to the past. We find a remarkable difference in their dynamical evolutions: 2005 VD's evolution is dominated by a Kozai resonance with planet Jupiter while that of 2008 YB3 is dominated by close encounters with planets Jupiter and Saturn. Our models suggest that the immediate site of provenance of 2005 VD is the in the Oort Cloud, whereas for 2008 YB3 it is in the trans-Neptunian region. Additionally, the study of their residence time shows that 2005 VD has spent a larger lapse of time moving in orbits in the region of the giant planets than 2008 YB3. Together with the small differences in color between these two objects, with 2005 VD being more neutral than 2008 YB3, this fact suggests that the surface of 2005 VD has suffered a higher degree of processing, which is probably related to cometary activity episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present measurements of the atmospheric water vapour content above the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (ORM) obtained using the Global Positioning System (GPS). The GPS measurements have been evaluated by comparison with 940-nm radiometer observations. A statistical analysis of the GPS measurements points to the ORM as an observing site with suitable conditions for infrared observations, with a median column of precipitable water vapour (PWV) of 3.8 mm. PWV presents a clear seasonal behaviour, with winter and spring being the best seasons for infrared observations. The percentage of nights showing PWV values less than 3 mm is over 60 per cent in February, March and April. We have also estimated the temporal variability of water vapour content at the ORM. We present a summary of PWV statistical results at different astronomical sites, noting that these values are not directly comparable as a result of the differences in the techniques used to recorded the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Primitive asteroids contain complex organic material and ices relevant to the origin of life on Earth. These types of asteroids are the target of several sample-return missions to be launched in the next years. 1999 JU3 is the target of the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency's Hayabusa 2 mission. Aims. 1999 JU3 has been previously identified as a C-class asteroid. Spectroscopic observations at longer wavelengths will help to constrain its composition. Methods. We obtained spectroscopy of 1999 JU3 from 0.85 to 2.2 μm, with the 3.6 m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo using the low-resolution mode of the Near Infrared Camera Spectrograph. Results. We present a near-infrared spectrum of 1999 JU3 from 0.85 to 2.2 μ that is consistent with previously published spectra and with its C-type classification. Conclusions. Our spectrum confirms the primitive nature of 1999 JU3 and its interest as target of the sample-return mission Hayabusa 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charon, Pluto's largest moon, has been extensively studied, with research focusing on its primitive composition and changes due to radiation and photolysis. However, spectral data have so far been limited to wavelengths below 2.5 μm, leaving key aspects unresolved. Here we present the detection of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) on the surface of Charon's northern hemisphere, using JWST data. These detections add to the known chemical inventory that includes crystalline water ice, ammonia-bearing species, and tholin-like darkening constituents previously revealed by ground- and space-based observations. The H 2 O 2 presence indicates active radiolytic/photolytic processing of the water ice-rich surface by solar ultraviolet and interplanetary medium Lyman-α photons, solar wind, and galactic cosmic rays. Through spectral modeling of the surface, we show that the CO 2 is present in pure crystalline form and, possibly, in intimately mixed states on the surface. Endogenically sourced subsurface CO 2 exposed on the surface is likely the primary source of this component, with possible contributions from irradiation of hydrocarbons mixed with water ice, interfacial radiolysis between carbon deposits and water ice, and the implantation of energetic carbon ions from the solar wind and solar energetic particles., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Lithium, a critical natural resource integral to modern technology, has influenced diverse industries since its discovery in the 1950s. Of particular interest is lithium-7, the most prevalent lithium isotope on Earth, playing a vital role in applications such as batteries, metal alloys, medicine, and nuclear research. However, its extraction presents significant environmental and logistical challenges. This article explores the potential for lithium exploration on the Moon, driven by its value as a resource and the prospect of cost reduction due to the Moon's lower gravity, which holds promise for future space exploration endeavors. Additionally, the presence of lithium in the solar wind and its implications for material transport across celestial bodies are subjects of intrigue. Drawing from a limited dataset collected during the Apollo missions (Apollo 12, 15, 16, and 17) and leveraging artificial intelligence techniques and sample expansion through bootstrapping, this study develops predictive models for lithium-7 concentration based on spectral patterns. The study areas encompass the Aitken crater, Hadley Rima, and the Taurus-Littrow Valley, where higher lithium concentrations are observed in basaltic lunar regions. This research bridges lunar geology and the formation of the solar system, providing valuable insights into celestial resources and enhancing our understanding of space. The data used in this study were obtained from the imaging sensors (infrared, visible, and ultraviolet) of the Clementine satellite, which significantly contributed to the success of our research. Furthermore, the study addresses various aspects related to statistical analysis, sample quality validation, resampling, and bootstrapping. Supervised machine learning model training and validation, as well as data import and export, were explored. The analysis of data generated by the Clementine probe in the near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UVVIS) spectra revealed evidence of the presence of lithium-7 (Li-7) on the lunar surface. The distribution of Li-7 on the lunar surface is non-uniform, with varying concentrations in different regions of the Moon identified, supporting the initial hypothesis associating surface Li-7 concentration with exposure to solar wind. While a direct numerical relationship between lunar topography and Li-7 concentration has not been established due to morphological diversity and methodological limitations, preliminary results suggest significant economic and technological potential in lunar lithium exploration and extraction.

It has been suggested that Earth's current supply of water was delivered by asteroids, some time after the collision that produced the Moon (which would have vaporized any of the pre-existing water). So far, no measurements of water ice on asteroids have been made, but its presence has been inferred from the comet-like activity of several small asteroids, including two members of the Themis dynamical family. Here we report infrared spectra of the asteroid 24 Themis which show that ice and organic compounds are not only present on its surface but also prevalent. Infrared spectral differences between it and other asteroids make 24 Themis unique so far, and our identification of ice and organics agrees with independent results that rule out other compounds as possible sources of the observed spectral structure. The widespread presence of surface ice on 24 Themis is somewhat unexpected because of the relatively short lifetime of exposed ice at this distance ( approximately 3.2 au) from the Sun. Nevertheless, there are several plausible sources, such as a subsurface reservoir that brings water to the surface through 'impact gardening' and/or sublimation.