Abstract
In its 16 years of scientific measurements, the Spitzer Space Telescope performed a number of groundbreaking and key infrared measurements of Solar System objects near and far. In this second of two Review Articles, we describe results from Spitzer observations of asteroids, dust rings and planets that provide new insight into the formation and evolution of our Solar System. The key Spitzer results presented here can be grouped into three broad classes: characterizing the physical properties of asteroids, notably including a large survey of near-Earth objects; detection and characterization of several dust/debris disks in the Solar System; and comprehensive characterization of ice giant (Uranus and Neptune) atmospheres. Many of these observations provide critical foundations for future infrared space-based observations. In the Spitzer Space Telescope’s 16 years of operation, it observed many Solar System objects and environments. In this second Review Article of a pair, Spitzer’s insight into asteroids, dust clouds and rings and the ice giant planets are summarized.
Highlights
Two key questions in planetary science concern the formation and evolution of our Solar System, and understanding the processes that drive the functioning of the major planets
Complementary studies of the highly dynamic major planets provide the opportunity to study the entire history of the Solar System, from formation to present day, by observing the Solar System today
In order to promote the project, called SIRTF (Space Infrared Telescope Facility), within the planetary science community, presentations were made at conferences and papers were published in journals and books[1,2]
Summary
Two key questions in planetary science concern the formation and evolution of our Solar System, and understanding the processes that drive the functioning of the major planets. Both provide context for understanding exoplanetary systems as well as understanding the history of our own planetary system. To understand the formation of our Solar System, the many small bodies in our planetary system – asteroids, comets, and the like – provide the clearest view, as these objects act as cosmochemical and dynamical tracers of the processes that have sculpted our planetary system. In order to promote the project, called SIRTF (Space Infrared Telescope Facility), within the planetary science community, presentations were made at conferences and papers were published in journals and books[1,2]. We briefly describe Spitzer’s results for asteroids, dust/debris rings, and the ice giants Uranus and Neptune
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