Abstract
Interplanetary space is a cosmic laboratory for surface scientists. Energetic photons, ions and electrons from the solar wind, together with galactic and extragalactic cosmic rays, constantly bombard surfaces of planets, planetary satellites, dust particles, comets and asteroids. Many of these bodies exist in ultrahigh vacuum environments, so that direct particle–surface collisions dominate the interactions. In this article, we discuss the origins of the very tenuous planetary atmospheres observed on a number of bodies, space weathering of the surface of asteroids and comets, and magnetospheric processing of the surfaces of Jupiter's icy satellites. We emphasize non-thermal processes and the important relationships between surface composition and the gas phase species observed. We also discuss what laboratory and computational modeling should be done to support the current and future space missions––e.g. the Genesis mission to recover solar wind particles, the Cassini mission to probe Saturn, the Europa Lander mission to explore the subsurface ocean hypothesis, and the Pluto/Kuiper Express to sample the outer reaches of the solar system.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.