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Distinctive space weathering on Vesta from regolith mixing processes
C M Pieters1, E Ammannito, D T Blewett
1Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA. carle_pieters@brown.edu
Nature
|November 7, 2012
Summary
Asteroid Vesta exhibits unique space weathering, unlike the Moon or Itokawa. Its surface regolith homogenizes over time through small-scale mixing, rather than accumulating nanophase iron.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrogeology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Asteroid Vesta displays strong pyroxene absorption bands, linking it to specific meteorite classes.
- Space weathering typically weakens spectral features on airless bodies, making Vesta's strong bands a mystery.
- Nanophase iron accumulation explains spectral degradation on the Moon and asteroid Itokawa.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the unique space weathering processes on asteroid Vesta.
- Determine why Vesta's spectral absorption bands remain strong despite space weathering.
- Characterize the surface evolution and regolith properties of Vesta.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution spectroscopic analysis of Vesta's surface.
- Comparison of spectral data from fresh and aged craters on Vesta.
- Analysis of regolith particle composition and distribution.
Main Results:
- Vesta's space weathering differs significantly from lunar and Itokawa weathering.
- No evidence of nanophase iron accumulation on Vesta's regolith particles was found.
- Spectroscopic data indicate a localized homogenization of Vesta's upper regolith over time via small-scale mixing.
Conclusions:
- Vesta's surface evolution is driven by a distinct space weathering mechanism.
- The strong pyroxene absorption bands are preserved due to this unique weathering process.
- Small-scale mixing of diverse surface components creates a homogenized regolith on Vesta.
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