Interpretation of the near-IR spectra of the Kuiper Belt Object (136472) 2005 FY9

Details Interpretation of the near-IR spectra of the Kuiper Belt Object (136472) 2005 FY9 Interpretation of the near-IR spectra of the Kuiper Belt Object (136472) 2005 FY9

Jun 2007

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007jgre..11206003e&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 112, Issue E6, CiteID E06003

Physics

4

Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Trans-Neptunian Objects, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Ices, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Remote Sensing, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Surface Materials And Properties, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Composition (1060, 3672)

Scientific paper

Visible and near-IR observations of the Kuiper Belt Object (136472) 2005 FY9 have indicated the presence of unusually long (1 cm or more) optical path lengths in a layer of methane ice. Using microphysical and radiative transfer modeling, we show that even at the frigid temperatures in the outer reaches of the solar system, a slab of low-porosity methane ice can indeed form by pressureless sintering of micron-sized grains, and it can qualitatively reproduce the salient features of the measured spectra. A good semiquantitative match with the near-IR spectra can be obtained with a realistic slab model, provided the spectra are scaled to a visible albedo of 0.6, at the low end of the values currently estimated from Spitzer thermal measurements. Consistent with previous modeling studies, matching spectra scaled to higher albedos requires the incorporation of strong backscattering effects. The albedo may become better constrained through an iterative application of the slab model to the analysis of the thermal measurements from Spitzer and the visible/near-IR reflectance spectra. The slab interpretation offers two falsifiable predictions: (1) Absence of an opposition surge, which is commonly attributed to the fluffiness of the optical surface. This prediction is best testable with a spacecraft, as Earth-based observations at true opposition will not be possible until early next century. (2) Unlikelihood of the simultaneous occurrence of very long spectroscopic path lengths in both methane and nitrogen ice on the surface of any Kuiper Belt Object, as the more volatile nitrogen would hinder densification in methane ice.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Interpretation of the near-IR spectra of the Kuiper Belt Object (136472) 2005 FY9 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 Interpretation of the near-IR spectra of the Kuiper Belt Object (136472) 2005 FY9, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Interpretation of the near-IR spectra of the Kuiper Belt Object (136472) 2005 FY9 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-882954