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Space Weathering Processes on MercuryLike the Moon, Mercury has no atmosphere to protect it from the harsh space environment and therefore it is expected that it will incur the effects of space weathering. These weathering processes are capable of both creating regolith and altering its optical properties. However, there are many important differences between the environments of Mercury and the Moon. These environmental differences will almost certainly affect the weathering processes as well as the products of those processes. It should be possible to observe the effects of these differences in Vis/NIR spectra of the type expected to be returned by MESSENGER. More importantly, understanding these weathering processes and their consequences is essential for evaluating the spectral data returned from MESSENGER and other missions in order to determine the mineralogy and the iron content of the Mercurian surface. Theoretical and experimental work has been undertaken in order to better understand these consequences.
Document ID
20020074750
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Noble, S. K.
(Brown Univ. Providence, RI United States)
Pieters, C. M.
(Brown Univ. Providence, RI United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: Solar System Remote Sensing
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-4303
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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