Physics – Geophysics
Scientific paper
Sep 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009dps....41.6512m&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #41, #62.10
Physics
Geophysics
Scientific paper
Oort Cloud comets, as well as TNOs Makemake (2005 FY9), Quaoar, and Pluto, are known to contain ethane. However, even though this molecule is found on several outer Solar System objects relatively little information is available about its amorphous and crystalline phases. In new experiments, we have prepared ethane ices at temperatures applicable to the outer Solar System, and have heated and ion-irradiated these ices to study phase changes and ethane's radiation chemistry using mid-IR spectroscopy (2.2 - 16.6 microns). Included in our work is the meta-stable phase that exists at 35 - 55 K. These results, including newly obtained optical constants, are relevant to ground-based observational campaigns, the New Horizons mission, and supporting laboratory work. An improved understanding of solid-phase ethane may contribute to future searches for this and other hydrocarbons in the outer Solar System.
This work was funded by NASA's Planetary Geology and Geophysics, Planetary Atmospheres, and Outer Planets programs. LR was supported by a summer research internship at the NASA Astrobiology Institute's Goddard Center for Astrobiology.
Hudson Reggie L.
Moore Marla H.
Raines L. L.
No associations
LandOfFree
Laboratory Studies of Ethane Ice Relevant to Outer Solar System Surfaces 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 Laboratory Studies of Ethane Ice Relevant to Outer Solar System Surfaces, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Laboratory Studies of Ethane Ice Relevant to Outer Solar System Surfaces will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1334297