Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Dec 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003trgeo...1..637j&link_type=abstract
Treatise on Geochemistry, Volume 1. Editor: Andrew M. Davis. Executive Editors: Heinrich D. Holland and Karl K. Turekian. pp. 71
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
The geochemistry of the natural satellites of the outer solar system provides important clues and constraints on the formation of the planets about which they orbit, the formation and nature of the satellites themselves, and the various processes that have shaped their histories and evolution. Historically, little was known about the geochemical makeup of these worlds prior to the beginning of space exploration. Information about these objects ca. 1960 was limited to positional astronomical data, crude estimates of size and mass for only a few of the largest satellites, and in some cases measurements of color and albedo (reflectance). Informed speculation suggested the likely presence of rock and frozen volatiles (water, carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia) in these cold, distant reaches of the solar system, but there were few hard data from which to deduce detailed composition. The only known chemical species related to satellite composition that had been positively confirmed was gaseous methane, identified from absorption features in the spectrum of Saturn's satellite, Titan (Kuiper, 1944).Since the 1960s a combination of improved theoretical understanding of planetary formation, data from reconnaissance spacecraft and modern astronomical observations from earth and space-based platforms have revolutionized our knowledge of the geochemistry of these satellites. The most detailed information is available for the larger, relatively spherical satellites in equatorial orbits about their planets, which we will term the "major" satellites. Each system also contains numerous smaller bodies, associated with ring systems, or in swarms of distant, loosely bound orbits. For information on the characteristics of these smaller satellites, see Yoder (1995). As yet, we have little information on the geochemistry of these bodies, and this chapter will concentrate on the larger satellites.
No associations
LandOfFree
Major Satellites of the Giant Planets does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Major Satellites of the Giant Planets, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Major Satellites of the Giant Planets will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1732178