LPL SPECIAL COLLOQUIUM: From Atoms to Asteroids: Understanding the Evolution of Airless Planetary Surfaces across the Solar System through Coordinated Analyses of Returned Samples

Dr. Michelle Thompson, Assistant Professor Purdue University

When

3:45 to 4:45 p.m., March 21, 2023

Where

Abstract: Soil grains on airless surfaces such as the Moon and asteroids are continuously being modified by their exposure to interplanetary space through a process known as space weathering. Driven by micrometeorite bombardment and irradiation by the solar wind, space weathering changes the chemical and microstructural characteristics of soil grains and, as a result, their spectral properties measured with remote sensing spacecraft. Studies of space weathering are critical for understanding the composition of all airless planetary surfaces from Mercury, to the Moon, to asteroids, and beyond. In order to build a robust model for space weathering across the solar system, I combine nanoscale analyses of returned samples and experimental simulations of space weathering in the laboratory with spacecraft observations. Here I will discuss my recent work using coordinated analysis to understand space weathering of carbonaceous asteroids, the Moon, and Mercury and the role space weathering plays in the distribution and detection of volatiles throughout the solar system. These results will include analysis of samples from the Apollo missions, and the Hayabusa2 mission, and discuss preparation for upcoming sample return from OSIRIS-REx.

Zoom guidelines and information

As a reminder, please keep yourself muted during the meeting unless you are speaking. If you have an important clarification question, please raise the “blue hand” in the Participant list before asking or you can ask a question in Chat window.  
For non-urgent questions, please wait until the Q/A time following the presentation.

For those viewing the colloquium in room 308, refreshments will be served in the Kuiper atrium at 3:30 p.m.

***Refreshments are not permitted in the seminar room.***

 

Contacts