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Sublimation in bright spots on (1) Ceres.
A Nathues1, M Hoffmann1, M Schaefer1
1Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Goettingen, Germany.
Nature
|December 15, 2015
Summary
Bright spots and water ice sublimation were discovered on Ceres, suggesting it accreted material from beyond the solar system's "snow line." This indicates geological activity on the dwarf planet.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrogeology
- Solar System Exploration
Background:
- Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt, is a differentiated dwarf planet.
- Unlike Jovian and Saturnian icy moons, Ceres lacks tidal forces, suggesting geological inertness.
- Previous detections of water vapor and bound water on Ceres hinted at the presence of surface ice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the composition and activity of localized bright areas on Ceres.
- To understand the geological processes occurring on the dwarf planet.
- To determine the origin of materials accreted by Ceres.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of images from an orbiting imager.
- Spectroscopic identification of surface composition.
- Observation of diurnal variations in surface features.
Main Results:
- Discovery of localized bright areas on Ceres, consistent with hydrated magnesium sulfates.
- Identification of a bright pit in Occator crater exhibiting probable water ice sublimation.
- Observation of diurnal haze clouds within the Occator crater, likely from sublimating ice or dust.
Conclusions:
- Ceres exhibits geological activity, particularly in the Occator crater.
- The presence of water ice and specific mineral compositions suggests Ceres accreted material from beyond the solar system's snow line.
- These findings challenge the assumption of geological inertness for objects in the asteroid belt lacking tidal forces.
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