Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jun 1994
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994p%26ss...42..519m&link_type=abstract
Planetary and Space Science, vol. 42, no. 6, p. 519-526
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
7
Impact Damage, Meteorite Craters, Phobos, Planetary Geology, Planetary Orbits, Satellite Surfaces, Surface Properties, Topology, Astronomical Photography, Ejecta, Grooves, Mars (Planet), Outgassing, Viking Mars Program
Scientific paper
The widespread fields of parallel grooves and crater chains on the surface of Phobos have been something of a mystery since their discovery by the Viking spacecraft in 1976. They have been variously interpreted as the result of faults or outgassing vents caused by tidal or drag forces during the capture of Phobos, or as chains of secondary craters due to a large impact on Phobos which formed Stickney, the largest crater on Phobos, or fracturing associated with Stickney's formation. However, each of these explanations has fundamental inconsistencies and no theory has hitherto explained the actual configuration of these lineations across the surface of Phobos. An origin that accounts for this well-ordered, apparently orbit-related, pattern is outlined. It is proposed that they are chains of secondary impact craters, caused by debris ejected from a number of separate primary impacts on Mars. The predicted pattern of such martian ejecta striking Phobos follows closely the observed distribution of Phobos' grooves and crater chains.
Cook Anthony C.
Day Troy
Iliffe J. C.
Müller Jan-Peter
Murray John B.
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