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Hydrocarbons on the Icy Satellites of SaturnThe Visible-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer on the Cassini Spacecraft has obtained spectral reflectance maps of the satellites of Saturn in the wavelength region 0.4-5.1 micrometers since its insertion into Saturn orbit in late 2004. We have detected the spectral signature of the C-H stretching molecular mode of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons in the low albedo material covering parts of several of Saturn's satellites, notably Iapetus and Phoebe (Cruikshank et al. 2008). The distribution of this material is complex, and in the case of Iapetus we are seeking to determine if it is related to the native grey-colored materials left as lag deposits upon evaporation of the ices, or represents in-fall from an external source, notably the newly discovered large dust ring originating at Phoebe. This report covers our latest exploration of the nature and source of this organic material.
Document ID
20100028137
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Cruikshank, Dale P.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 2010
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
ARC-E-DAA-TN1399
Meeting Information
Meeting: Nature of Color and Ices in the Outer Solar System
Location: Meudon
Country: France
Start Date: May 28, 2010
Sponsors: Observatoire de Paris
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 431924.02.01.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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