Spectroscopic evidence for aqueous alteration products on the surfaces of low-albedo asteroids

Abstract

High-resolution IR spectra (0.9–2.5 μm) and narrowband photometry (3.0–3.5 μm) are presented for asteroids 1 Ceres, 2 Pallas and 324 Bamberga. Laboratory experiments with hydrated minerals indicate that the 3 μm absorption feature observed on asteroids is largely due to interlayer water molecules in clay minerals, with a possible contribution from water molecules bound to salts. The depth of the 3 μm band as a function of 2.2 μm albedo is a useful measure of the amount of hydrated mineral present on these asteroids. 1 Ceres must consist mostly of a clay mineral like that in CM chondrites, with some contribution to the strength of the 3 μm band by hydrated salts. These salts, which are products of aqueous alteration, may also be responsible for Ceres' high albedo relative to other C-type asteroids. 2 Pallas must have a low abundance of hydrated minerals relative to 1 Ceres, with the bulk of its composition being spectrally featureless minerals such as the iron-free silicates in CM chondrules. 324 Bamberga probably contains clay minerals, but their abundance cannot be determined at present. The spectrum of Bamberga below 2.5 μm shows evidence for abundant magnetite, which can be a product of aqueous alteration. The presence of magnetite on Bamberga and possibly other C-type asteroids may be responsible for their low albedos. The spectra of C-type asteroids may be reconcilable with those of carbonaceous chondrites if the asteroids surfaces have undergone alteration by aqueous or other analogous processes.