Characterising Phobos-like samples in the Museum meteorite collection
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Department Name: Oxford Physics (Keble Road)
Abstract
The NHM houses the National Meteorite Collection, a comprehensive and systematic collection that is a treasure trove for UK planetary science. We will use this key resource to search for meteorites that have spectral similarities to Phobos and/or Deimos. We will test the two formation hypotheses for the moons by selecting a combination of carbonaceous chondrites (CC) (as expected for a D type asteroid) and also dark differentiated meteorites (as expected for an impact produced body).
For each meteorite we will obtain x-ray diffraction and thermigravitational analyses to determine bulk mineralogy and water content. We will obtain thermal infra-red emissivity spectra under simulated asteroid and martian moon conditions where temperature and pressure can be controlled. Undertaking analyses under such conditions represents a major advance over previous studies, being directly comparable to previously acquired spectra from Phobos and Deimos [e.g. 19]. Furthermore, these data will be critical for interpretation of the MMX's spectrometer data while the mission is in flight.
The student will have the benefit of working at two world-class institutions with excellent collections and state of the art laboratory facilities. The supervisors already have experience of working together on similar projects [5]. The project would suit a candidate excited by planetary exploration, with a background in geological sciences, physics or a related subject.
For each meteorite we will obtain x-ray diffraction and thermigravitational analyses to determine bulk mineralogy and water content. We will obtain thermal infra-red emissivity spectra under simulated asteroid and martian moon conditions where temperature and pressure can be controlled. Undertaking analyses under such conditions represents a major advance over previous studies, being directly comparable to previously acquired spectra from Phobos and Deimos [e.g. 19]. Furthermore, these data will be critical for interpretation of the MMX's spectrometer data while the mission is in flight.
The student will have the benefit of working at two world-class institutions with excellent collections and state of the art laboratory facilities. The supervisors already have experience of working together on similar projects [5]. The project would suit a candidate excited by planetary exploration, with a background in geological sciences, physics or a related subject.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |