Extrraterrestial Ice articles
http://cass.jsc.nasa.gov/lpi/meteorites/lpscabs.html#1661
1661
Barlow N. G.
The search for possible source craters for martian meteorite ALH 84001.
ALH 84001 was ejected from Mars ~16 million years ago by an asteroid impact.
The impact crater source of ALH 84001 is not known; two young craters in
ancient highlands, eroded by water, are suggested as the most likely candidates.
1859
Rice J. W. Jr.
Searching for the ALH 84001 “smoking gun” (parent crater).
The author lists the 19 youngest craters on ancient (Noachian) areas of Mars;
among these, he suggests that the source crater of ALH 84001 is probably in
Memnonia at 5°S, 146°W.
PHYSICS NEWS UPDATE
The American Institute of Physics Bulletin of Physics News
Number 262 March 14, 1996 by Phillip F. Schewe and Ben
Stein
THE SURFACE OF PLUTO HAS BEEN IMAGED for the first
time. The Hubble Space Telescope has snapped a series of high-
resolution pictures throughout Pluto's 6.4-day rotation period. The
photo sequence reveals that Pluto possesses more visible large-scale
features than any planet except for Earth. The features include a
variety of dark and bright spots and a dark stripe across the frosty
north pole. Pluto had not previously been imaged clearly before,
even with the bigger Earth-based telescopes, because its angular
size on the sky is only a tenth of an arcsecond across. All of this
comes at a time when some astronomers want to take away Pluto's
status as a planet. (NASA press release, 7 March 1996.)
A NEW FORM OF ICE has been predicted to form at high
pressures. Ice has more solid forms than any other simple
substance, with 10 known crystalline structures. Using molecular
dynamics simulations, a German-French-Italian team has now
predicted that "Ice XI" forms between 3 and 4 Megabars of
pressure at room temperature. The oxygen atoms arrange
themselves into a distorted hexagonal close-packed (hcp) lattice, a
densely-packed structure in which atoms essentially occupy the
corners of equilateral triangles. Interestingly, Ice XI is an insulator
up to and beyond 7 Mbars, the kinds of pressures at which ice
exists in Jupiter. Numerous physicists have proposed that ice may
become metallic at high pressures, but the simulations suggest that
Jovian ice may not necessarily be metallic. The pressures that
would be required to make Ice XI can be experimentally achieved
in diamond anvil cells, the authors point out. (M. Benoit et al,
upcoming paper in Phys. Rev. Lett.)
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http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~gmarcy/planetsearch/planetsearch.html
Title: Energy analysis of porous water ice under
space-simulated conditions: results from the KOSI-8
experiment
Authors: BENKHOFF, J.; SEIDENSTICKER, K. J.; SEIFERLIN, K.;
SPOHN, T.
Journal: Planetary and Space Science v. 43, p. 353-361
Publication Date: 03/1995
Origin: ELSEVIER
Bibliographic Code: 1995P&SS...43..353B
Title: Statistical Studies of ISEE 3/ICE Observations of
Impulsive Hard X-Ray Solar Flares
Authors: BROMUND, KENNETH R.; MCTIERNAN, JAMES M.;
KANE, SHARAD R.
Journal: Astrophysical Journal v.455, p.733
Publication Date: 12/1995
Origin: APJ
ApJ Keywords: SPACE VEHICLES, SUN: FLARES, SUN: X-RAYS, GAMMA RAYS
B
Title: Ice/dust mixtures in simulated space environment: A
study of sublimation and of related phenomena
Authors: LAEMMERZAHL, P.
Affiliation: AAMax-Planck-Inst. fuer Kernphysik, Heidelberg,
Germany
Journal: Advances in Space Research (ISSN 0273-1177), vol.
15, no. 10, p. 19-28
Publication Date: 00/1995
Category: Lunar and Planetary Exploration
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: CARBON DIOXIDE, DUST, ICE, SPACE ENVIRONMENT
SIMULATION, SUBLIMATION, WATER, CHEMICAL ANALYSIS,
COMET NUCLEI, COMETS, MASS SPECTROSCOPY, TEMPERATURE
EFFECTS
Bibliographic Code: 1995AdSpR..15...19L
Abstract
In the KOmetenSImulation (KOSI) project decimeter-sized porous ice/dust mixtures were
investigated in a simulated space environment. A variety of experimental techniques was
applied for simultaneous in situ measurements of parameters of the interior, the surface, and
emissions of the inosolated samples. Sublimation rates declined in all cases when the
dust/ice ratio was approximately 0.1 or more, indicating formation of a dust mantle. At a
lower dust/ice ratio of 0.02 sublimation rate was constant indicating erosion of the dust from
the surface. Investigations on mixtures of H2O and CO2 ices coordinating results from mass
spectrometric, chemical and temperature analyses showed that inbound flow of sublimated
CO2 is significant (approximately 50 percent). Inbound flow of H2O vapor was studied by
isotopic tracing; the results stress the importance of texture changes by grain sintering for
the enhancement of thermoconductivity. The process of dust mantle formation was
observed, by IR mapping of surface temperatures, to be inhomogeneous with local
fluctuations of growth and erosion alternating. From measured dynamic parameters of
ejected particles, conclusions on the importance of cohesive forces in relation to gravity and
gas drag could be drawn.
Title: On the origin of surface morphologies of Saturn's
icy moons
Authors: NEAGU, A.
Affiliation: AAIPEE Curtea de Arges, Romania
Journal: Meteoritics (ISSN 0026-1114), vol. 29, no. 4, p. 510
Publication Date: 07/1994
Category: Lunar and Planetary Exploration
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: GEOMORPHOLOGY, ICY SATELLITES, METEORITE CRATERS,
SATELLITE SURFACES, SATURN SATELLITES, ASTRONOMICAL
MODELS, GRAVITATIONAL EFFECTS, HYPERVELOCITY IMPACT,
VOYAGER PROJECT
Bibliographic Code: 1994Metic..29Q.510N
Abstract
Voyager images of Saturn's icy moons revealed that, apparentaly, most of these planetary
bodies evolved substanially since the time they accreted, although models of thermal
evolution of small icy satellites indicate that such bodies would experience little internal
activity after formation. Several of the saturnian satellites (Rhea, Dione, Tethys, Mimas)
were imaged at high resolution that allowed identification of terrain types of distinctly
different morphology ranging from rough, heavily cratered areas to smooth, lightly cratered
plains. At the same time the size-frequency distribution of impact craters for various regions
of the saturnian moons'surfaces indicate that the satellites are dominated by two populations
of craters. Some models have been developed to explain the putative prolonged
postaccretional geologic activity that reworked large parts of the saturnian moons' surfaces.
But no one predicts surface or near-surface melting. Presented is a model of saturnian
satellites evolution that explains the appearance of their resurfaced areas without taking into
account any important geologic activity of their interior. According to this model, immediately
after their accretion the saturnian moons were intensely bombarded by objects left over from
saturnian system formation. At about 3.9 Ga the Sun underwent a very violent explosive
phase, expelling into space some percentage of its mass and generating the second great
thermal event (SGTE) in the history of the solar system. The result was the change of the
moons' spin into a synchronous rotation and the disappearance or subduction of population I
craters on large parts of the moons' surfaces. The model is strongly supported by the
available data on the saturnian satellites and by abundant evidence in favor of the SGTE
occurrence at 3.9 Ga. At the same time, this model is in agreement with the assumption of
McKay et al. concerning the origin of molecular N and organics on primordial Titan.
Title: Charon: More than water ice?
Authors: ROUSH, TED L.
Affiliation: AASan Francisco State Univ., San Francisco, CA, US
Journal: ICARUS, vol. 108, no. 2, pt. 1, p. 243-254
Publication Date: 04/1994
Category: Astronomy
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: ASTRONOMICAL MODELS, ASTRONOMICAL SPECTROSCOPY,
CARBON DIOXIDE, CHARON, ICE, LIQUID-GAS MIXTURES,
METHANE, PLANETARY COMPOSITION, SOLIDIFIED GASES,
SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS, GRAIN SIZE, MATHEMATICAL
MODELS, PLANETARY EVOLUTION, PLUTO (PLANET)
Bibliographic Code: 1994Icar..108..243R
Abstract
A significant non-H2O ice component may be present on the surface of Pluto's satellite
Charon and yet remain undetected by existing observations. This suggestion arises from a
comparison of calculated reflectance spectra with Charon's 1.5- to 2.5-micron reflectance
spectrum. The calculated spectra rely upon descriptions of the interaction of light scattered
from particulate surfaces and the optical constants of H2O, CH4, and CO2 ices. Calculated
spectra of mixtures composed of H2O and CO2 ice remain consistent with the observed
spectrum of Charon for high abundances of CO2 (approximately 50% relative mass fraction)
in intimate mixtures, and for areal coverages of about 40% CO2 in spatial mixtures.
Calculations for mixtures of H2O and CH4 ice indicate that greater than or = 5% relative mass
fraction of CH4 in intimate mixtures and greater than or = 5-10% areal coverage of CH4 in
spatial mixtures result in spectra that cannot reproduce the observed Charon spectrum.
Calculated spectra of three-component intimate mixtures of H2O, CH4, and CO2 ices with
similar grain sizes can fit the observed spectrum of Charon only for low abundances of CH4
(less than or = 5%). If the CH4 ice grain size is much greater than the other components,
then the spectrum of Charon can be modeled by calculated spectra containing up to
approximately 30% CH4 in the intimate mixtures. Calculated spectra for spatial mixtures of
H2O, CH4, and CO2 ices indicate that less than or = 5-10% areal coverage of CH4 can be
incorporated and remain consistent with the observational data. The suggestion of significant
amounts of non-H2O components on Charon can be tested as Earth-based telescopic
instrumentation improves. This suggestion should be considered during instrumental design
for spacecraft destined for the Pluto-Charon system.
Title: The electrolytical processes in dirty ices:
Implications for origin and chemistry of minor
bodies and related objects
Authors: DROBYSHEVSKI, E. M.; CHESNAKOV, V. A.;
SINITSYN, V. V.
Affiliation: AARussian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg,
Russia ABRussian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka,
Russia ACRussian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka,
Russia
Journal: Advances in Space Research (ISSN 0273-1177), vol.
16, no. 2, p. (2)73-2(84)
Publication Date: 07/1994
Category: Astrophysics
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: ASTEROIDS, CHEMICAL EXPLOSIONS, COMET NUCLEI,
ELECTROLYSIS, ICE, PROTOPLANETS, CONVECTION,
ELECTRIC CURRENT, GAS GIANT PLANETS, HALLEY'S COMET,
ORGANIC SOLIDS, PLANETARY MAGNETOSPHERES, SPACE
PLASMAS
Bibliographic Code: 1994AdSpR..16...73D
Abstract
Many moonlike bodies (M approximately equal to 1 Moon) beyond the Martian orbit contain
large amounts of dirty ice (approximately 50%) forming a thick mantle with the solid phase
thermal convection. When a body moves through the inter- or nearplanetray magnetized
plasma, electric current is generated in the body and its environment. The current passing
through a dirty ice containing up to 10% organic admixtures produces a lot of electrochemical
effects which have a profound impact on its composition. At this stage one can hardly say
something definite concerning changes experienced by organics. The changes must occur
inevitably and can be of a rather unexpected and far-reaching nature, thus deserving close
study. Another obvious effect is a volumetric electrolysis of ice containing alien inclusions.
The electrolysis products accumulate in ice in the form of a solid solution which is capable of
detonation at 15-20 wt.% of 2H2 + O2. If M is greater that or approximately equal to 1 Moon
(Galilean satellites, Titan), the body loses in explosion a part of its mass in the form of vapor
and ice fragments (i.e. short-period (SP) comet nuclei), whereas if M is less than or
approximately equal to 0.2 Moon, the body breaks up totally (the Main Belt (MB) asteroids
origin approximately 3.9 Byr ago). 2H2 + O2 containing cometary nuclei are capable of
burning or suffering new explosions when receiving additional energy. The combustion in the
sublimation products containing light organics and 2H2 + O2 explains unexpected energetics
and nearnuclear chemistry of Comet P/Halley (e.g. great abundances of negative and positive
ions, atomic carbon, Co over CO2, origin of CHON particles, etc) and its distant outbursts
correlated, possibly with Solar activity. Thus the electrochemical processes in the dirty ice
with organics, along with its subsequent thermal, radiative etc. processing, open up new
potentials for explanation and prediction of quite unexpected discoveries.
Title: The formation of organic molecules in astronomical
ices
Authors: SCHUTTE, W. A.
Affiliation: AALeiden Observatory Laboratory, Leiden, The
Netherlands
Journal: Advances in Space Research (ISSN 0273-1177), vol.
16, no. 2, p. (2)53-(2)60
Publication Date: 07/1994
Category: Astrophysics
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: ICE ENVIRONMENTS, INTERSTELLAR CHEMISTRY,
INTERSTELLAR MATTER, ORGANIC SOLIDS, ASTRONOMICAL
MODELS, COMETS, FORMALDEHYDE, INFRARED SPACE
OBSERVATORY (ISO), NITROGEN, OXYGEN, ULTRAVIOLET
ASTRONOMY
Bibliographic Code: 1994AdSpR..16...53S
Abstract
An absorption feature at 3.4 micrometers has been observed in various lines-of-sight
through the diffuse interstellar medium. Its position and width lead to an identification with
the C-H stretching mode of solid organic material. A possible mechanism for the production
of organic solids in the interstellar medium is UV photoprocesisng of icy mantles which
accrete on dust grains in dense clouds. Furthermore, thermally induced reactions involving
formaldehyde molecules in the mantles could be an important source of organics. Laboratory
simulation of these processes shows that a large variety of oxygen- and nitrogen-rich
species may be produced. It is shown that the occurrence of periodic transient heating
events plays an important role in the production of organic material in the ice mantles.
Finally, it is pointed out how future missions like the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) as
well as analysis of comet material by Rosetta may be able to clarify the nature and evolution
of interstellar organics.
Title: Mercury - Full-disk radar images and the detection
and stability of ice at the North Pole
Authors: BUTLER, BRYAN J.; MUHLEMAN, DUANE O.;
SLADE, MARTIN A.
Affiliation: AB(California Inst. of Technology, Pasadena) AC(JPL,
Pasadena, CA)
Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research (ISSN 0148-0227),
vol. 98, no. E8, p. 15,003-15,023.
Publication Date: 08/1993
Category: Lunar and Planetary Exploration
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: ICE, MERCURY SURFACE, POLAR REGIONS, RADAR IMAGERY,
VERY LARGE ARRAY (VLA), DEEP SPACE, RADAR ANTENNAS,
SUPERHIGH FREQUENCIES
Bibliographic Code: 1993JGR....9815003B
Abstract
The first full-disk radar images of Mercury are discussed. About 77 percent of the surface
was imaged at resolutions as good as 150 km. The North Pole was visible at the time of the
observations, and the feature with the highest same sense (SS) circular reflectivity in the
images is near the nominal polar position. The peak SS reflectivity of this feature is 7.9
percent and the circular polarization ratio through much of it is over one. The diameter of the
feature is estimated to be less than about 350 km. The signal strength and polarization
characteristics suggest the presence of very clean ices deposited in a relatively short period.
The reflectivity of the north polar feature is slightly depressed compared to absolute
reflectivities of other ice bodies and regions in the solar system. This may be due to a layer
of dust or soil covering the ice. Other prominent features in the unphotographed hemisphere
correpond to positions where atmospheric sodium enhancements have been measured from
earth. These sites may be large basins similar to the Caloris basin.
Title: Time, ice and terraforming
Authors: SMITH, ALEXANDER G.
Journal: British Interplanetary Society, Journal (ISSN
0007-094X), vol. 46, no. 8, p. 305-310.
Publication Date: 08/1993
Category: Space Sciences (General)
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: ECONOMIC FACTORS, ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING,
PLANETARY ENVIRONMENTS, SPACE EXPLORATION,
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT, ENVIRONMENT EFFECTS, ICE
ENVIRONMENTS, INTERSTELLAR TRAVEL
Bibliographic Code: 1993JBIS...46..305S
Abstract
It is argued that terraforming of a variety of extra-solar planets may provide humanity with
the expertise needed to avert the next glacial period, if economic competition and its
requirement of profitability allow a step-by-step development through the advances required
for space-based civilization, interstellar flight, and semiautonomous robotic manufacturing.
Technological, economic, and biological constraints on engineering progress are discussed. A
scenario for interstellar travel and terraforming is presented.
Title: Outer planets and icy satellites
Authors: DROBYSHEVSKI, E. M.
Affiliation: Academy of Sciences (USSR), Leningrad.
Journal: In Arizona Univ., Resources of Near-Earth Space:
Abstracts p 37 (SEE N91-26019 17-91)
Publication Date: 00/1991
Category: Astrophysics
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: ASTEROID BELTS, ASTEROIDS, CALLISTO, EUROPA,
GANYMEDE, GAS GIANT PLANETS, ICE, ICY SATELLITES,
IO, METEORITE COLLISIONS, MOON, ORGANIC MATERIALS,
PLANETARY MAGNETOSPHERES, SATURN RINGS, TITAN,
CHRONOLOGY, EXPLOSIONS, FRAGMENTS, HYPERVELOCITY
IMPACT, INCLUSIONS, RESERVOIRS, TIME MEASUREMENT,
WATER
Bibliographic Code: 1991rnes.nasa...37D
Abstract
The resources offered by the outer bodies in the Solar System, starting with the main belt
asteroids and Jovian System, are not only larger and more diverse but may even be easier to
reach than, say, those of Mars. The use of their material, including water and organic matter,
depends exclusively on the general strategy of exploration of the Solar System. Of major
interest in this respect are the large ice satellites - Titan, Ganymede, and Callisto. Motion
through the planetary magnetospheres excites in their ice envelopes megampere currents
which, in the presence of rocky, etc., inclusions with electronic conduction should lead to the
bulk electrolysis of ice and accumulation in it of 2H2 + O2 in the form of a solid solution. With
the concentration of 2H2 + O2 reaching about 15 wt. percent, the solution becomes capable
of detonation by a strong meteoritic impact. An explosion of Ganymede's ice envelope about
0.5 By ago could account for the formation of the Trojans and irregular satellites, all known
differences between Ganymede and Callisto, and many other things. The explosion of a small
icy planet with M approx less than 0.5 Moon created the asteroid belt. Two to three
explosions occurred on Io, and two on Europa. The specific features of the longperiod comets
close to Saturn's orbit permit dating Titan's envelope explosion as 10,000 yr ago, which
produced its thick atmosphere, young Saturn's rings, as well as a reservoir of ice fragments
saturated by 2H2 + O2, i.e., cometary nuclei between the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn. Thus
these nuclei should contain, besides organic matter, also 2H2 + O2, which could be used for
their transportation as well as for fuel for spaceships. Ices of such composition can reside
deep inside Deimos, the Trojans, C-asteroids, etc. The danger of a future explosion of
Callisto's electrolyzed ices, which would result in a catastrophic bombardment of the Earth
by comets, may be high enough to warrant a revision of the priorities and strategy of space
exploration.
Title: Gas release from ice/dust mixtures
Authors: HESSELBARTH, P.; KRANKOWSKY, D.; LAEMMERZAHL, P.;
WINKLER, A.; MAUERSBERGER, K.
Affiliation: AD(Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kernphysik, Heidelberg,
Federal Republic of Germany) AE(Minnesota,
University, Minneapolis)
Journal: Geophysical Research Letters (ISSN 0094-8276), vol.
18, Feb. 1991, p. 269-272. Research supported by
DFG.
Publication Date: 02/1991
Category: Astrophysics
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, COMETS, ICE, INTERPLANETARY
DUST, SUBLIMATION, CARBON DIOXIDE, COMA, SPACE
ENVIRONMENT SIMULATION, WATER
Bibliographic Code: 1991GeoRL..18..269H
Abstract
Measurements of gas fluxes from insolated ice/dust mixtures were performed using pressure
gauges and a mass spectrometer placed one meter in front of the sample. The measurements
were carried out in the framework of the KOSI program. As soon as the insolation of about
one solar constant was started, a fast rise in H2O and CO2 emissions from the fresh surface
was detected, followed by a slow decrease of the gas fluxes. When intermittent dark periods
occurred, water emission dropped rapidly while CO2 fluxes were measured for hours. Results
from labeled isotope layers gave data on sublimation depth and temperature and indicated
that sublimated CO2 migrated also toward deeper parts of the sample where it recondensed,
producing an enrichment. A simple model is proposed which describes the redistribution of
CO2 within the sample consistent with the gas phase and solid phase measurements of CO2
abundances. The present study is of interest in connection with Whipple's theory that comets
are composed of ice and dust.
Title: An indirect search for lunar polar ices
Authors: GRAHAM, FRANCIS G.
Affiliation: AA(Kent State University, East Liverpool, OH)
Journal: Space Power - Resources, Manufacturing and
Development (ISSN 0883-6272), vol. 9, no. 2-3, 1990,
p. 195-204. Research supported by the Space Studies
Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Case Western
Reserve University, et al.
Publication Date: 00/1990
Category: Lunar and Planetary Exploration
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: COMET NUCLEI, ICE, LUNAR CRATERS, LUNAR BASES, LUNAR
SURFACE, METAL VAPORS
Bibliographic Code: 1990SPRMD...9..195G
Abstract
The possibility of comet-derived ices in permanently shadowed lunar polar craters has been
a question for space development for years. Calculations have shown that loss mechanisms
exceed present flux; larger primordial cometary input would also now be gone. However,
Nemesis theory bombardment scenarios, which are postulated to have caused mass
extinctions on earth, would also have caused episodic cometary impacts on the moon, as
recently as 13 million years ago, probably sufficient for the maintenance of lunar polar ices
by the Arnold mechanism. Less volatile cometary compounds, such as sodium compounds,
might have also survived in partially shadowed lunar polar areas where the sun is always low
and partially hidden by terrain. Observational experiments were conducted to detect any
enhanced sodium vapor emission at the lunar poles. These results were negative at the
expected levels. If cometary materials less volatile than ices are not detected at the partially
shadowed lunar areas, then doubt exists for the ices' existence in the permanently shadowed
craters.
Title: Ice grains in the dust disk of the bipolar nebula M
1-92
Authors: EIROA, C.; HODAPP, K. -W.
Affiliation: AB(Hawaii Univ., Honolulu.)
Journal: In ESA, Infrared Spectroscopy in Astronomy p 351-353
(SEE N90-19084 11-89)
Publication Date: 09/1989
Category: Astrophysics
Origin: STI
NASA/STI Keywords: ACCRETION DISKS, ICE, INFRARED ASTRONOMY, INFRARED
SPECTRA, INTERPLANETARY DUST, NEBULAE, INFRARED
TELESCOPES, NASA SPACE PROGRAMS, SPECTRUM ANALYSIS,
TWO BODY PROBLEM
Bibliographic Code: 1989irsa.rept..351E
Abstract
The 2.4 to 3.8 microns spectra of the bipolar nebula M 1-92 is investigated. The data is
obtained with the cooled grating array spectrometer at the NASA infrared telescope facility.
Data is obtained at five positions of the object: one coinciding with the illuminating star, and
the rest distributed along the dust torus of the bipolar nebula. No spectral signature is
observed at the position of the star. A narrow 3.1 microns absorption is observed in all four
positions of the torus. The feature is interpreted as being due to a mixture of pure amorphous
and crystalline water ices.
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