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This study explores the space weathering effects on olivine caused by helium ion bombardment under controlled laboratory vacuum conditions. Findings reveal significant alterations such as reddening of the spectral slope, slight darkening, attenuation of the 1 μm absorption band, and the formation of metallic iron at the mineral's surface. By interpreting reflectance spectra of airless planetary bodies and comparing meteorite spectra to asteroid spectra, we aim to enhance our understanding of space weathering processes and their implications for meteorite parent bodies and planetary evolution.
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Space Weathering Agent: Solar Wind • Bombardment of helium ions on olivine under vacuum conditions in the lab simulates space weathering of asteroids and other airless bodies. • The observed effects are: • reddening of the spectral slope • slight darkening of the olivine • attenuation of the 1 μm absorption band • formation of metallic iron in the outer layer of the mineral surface in powder and flat slab
Space Weathering Agent: Solar Wind • Interpret reflectance spectra of the surfaces of airless planetary bodies • Compare spectra of meteorites to spectra of asteroids, to determine meteorite parent bodies The more we understand the processes and timescales of space weathering, the better we can:
