Types Of Chondrites Research Articles

Monte-Carlo simulation of Callisto’s exosphere

We model Callisto’s exosphere based on its ice as well as non-ice surface via the use of a Monte-Carlo exosphere model. For the ice component we implement two putative compositions that have been computed from two possible extreme formation scenarios of the satellite. One composition represents the oxidizing state and is based on the assumption that the building blocks of Callisto were formed in the protosolar nebula and the other represents the reducing state of the gas, based on the assumption that the satellite accreted from solids condensed in the jovian sub-nebula. For the non-ice component we implemented the compositions of typical CI as well as L type chondrites. Both chondrite types have been suggested to represent Callisto’s non-ice composition best. As release processes we consider surface sublimation, ion sputtering and photon-stimulated desorption. Particles are followed on their individual trajectories until they either escape Callisto’s gravitational attraction, return to the surface, are ionized, or are fragmented. Our density profiles show that whereas the sublimated species dominate close to the surface on the sun-lit side, their density profiles (with the exception of H and H2) decrease much more rapidly than the sputtered particles. The Neutral gas and Ion Mass (NIM) spectrometer, which is part of the Particle Environment Package (PEP), will investigate Callisto’s exosphere during the JUICE mission. Our simulations show that NIM will be able to detect sublimated and sputtered particles from both the ice and non-ice surface. NIM’s measured chemical composition will allow us to distinguish between different formation scenarios.

Petrology and geochemistry of chondrules and metal in NWA 5492 and GRO 95551: A new type of metal-rich chondrite

Northwest Africa (NWA) 5492 and Grosvenor Mountains (GRO) 95551 are metal-rich chondrites having silicate (olivine and pyroxene) compositions that are more reduced than those in other metal-rich chondrites, such as the CH and CB chondrites. Additionally, sulfides in NWA 5492 and GRO 95551 are more abundant and not related to the metal, as in the CB chondrites. Average metal compositions in NWA 5492 and GRO 95551 are close to H chondrite metal. Oxygen isotope ratios of NWA 5492 and GRO 95551 components (chondrules and fragments) show a range of compositions with most having Δ17O values >0‰. Since there is no matrix component, their average chondrule+fragment oxygen isotopic compositions are considered to be representative of whole rock and (Δ17O values) are sandwiched between the values for enstatite (E) and ordinary (O) chondrites. These data argue for a close relationship between NWA 5492 and GRO 95551 and suggest that they are the first examples of a new type of metal-rich chondrite.Oxygen isotope ratios of chondrules in NWA 5492 and GRO 95551 show considerable overlap with chondrules in O, E and R chondrites, with average compositions indistinguishable from LL3 chondrules, suggesting considerable mixing between these Solar System materials during chondrule formation and/or that their precursors experienced similar formation environments and/or processes. Another characteristic shared between NWA 5492 and GRO 95551 and O, E and R chondrites is that they are all relatively dry (low abundances of hydrated minerals), compared to many C chondrites and have fewer, smaller CAIs than many C chondrites. (No CAIs were found in NWA 5492 or GRO 95551 but they contain rare Al-rich chondrules.) We suggest that O, E, R and the NWA 5492 and GRO 95551 chondrites are closely related Solar System materials.

Exploring exogenic sources for the olivine on Asteroid (4) Vesta

The detection of olivine on Vesta is interesting because it may provide critical insights into planetary differentiation early in our Solar System’s history. Ground-based and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations of Asteroid (4) Vesta have suggested the presence of olivine on the surface. These observations were reinforced by the discovery of olivine-rich HED meteorites from Vesta in recent years. However, analysis of data from NASA’s Dawn spacecraft has shown that this “olivine-bearing unit” is actually impact melt in the ejecta of Oppia crater. The lack of widespread mantle olivine, exposed during the formation of the 19km deep Rheasilvia basin on Vesta’s South Pole, further complicated this picture. Ammannito et al. (Ammannito, E. et al. [2013a]. Nature 504, 122–125) reported the discovery of local scale olivine-rich units in the form of excavated material from the mantle using the Visible and InfraRed spectrometer (VIR) on Dawn. These sites are concentrated in the walls and ejecta of craters Arruntia (10.5km in diameter) and Bellicia (41.7km in diameter), located in the northern hemisphere, 350–430km from Rheasilvia basin’s rim. Here we explore alternative sources for the olivine in the northern hemisphere of Vesta by reanalyzing the data from the VIR instrument using laboratory spectral measurements of meteorites. Our rationale for using the published dataset was to bypass calibration issues and ensure a consistent dataset between the two studies. Our analysis of the VIR data shows that while the interpretation of their spectra as an olivine-rich unit is correct, the nature and origin of that olivine could be more complicated. We suggest that these olivine exposures could also be explained by the delivery of olivine-rich exogenic material. This hypothesis is supported by meteoritical evidence in the form of exogenic xenoliths containing significant amount of olivine in some of the HED meteorites from Vesta. Previous laboratory work on HEDs show that potential sources of olivine on Vesta could be different types of olivine-rich meteorites, either primitive achondrites (acapulcoites, lodranites, ureilites), ordinary chondrites (H, L, LL), pallasites, or carbonaceous chondrites (e.g., CV). Based on our spectral band parameters analysis, the lack of correlation between the location of these olivine-rich terrains and possible mantle-excavating events, and supported by observations of HED meteorites, we propose that a probable source for the olivine seen in the northern hemisphere corresponds to remnants of impactors made of olivine-rich meteorites. The best curve-matching results with laboratory spectra suggest these units are HED material mixed with either ordinary chondrites, or with some olivine-dominated meteorites such as R-chondrites.

Link between the potentially hazardous Asteroid (86039) 1999 NC43 and the Chelyabinsk meteoroid tenuous

We explored the statistical and compositional link between Chelyabinsk meteoroid and potentially hazardous Asteroid (86039) 1999 NC43 to investigate their proposed relation proposed by Borovička et al. (Borovička, J., et al. [2013]. Nature 503, 235–237). First, using a slightly more detailed computation we confirm that the orbit of the Chelyabinsk impactor is anomalously close to the Asteroid 1999 NC43. We find ∼(1–3)×10−4 likelihood of that to happen by chance. Taking the standpoint that the Chelyabinsk impactor indeed separated from 1999 NC43 by a cratering or rotational fission event, we run a forward probability calculation, which is an independent statistical test. However, we find this scenario is unlikely at the ∼(10−3–10−2) level. Secondly, we note that efforts to conclusively prove separation of the Chelyabinsk meteoroid from (86039) 1999 NC43 in the past needs to meet severe criteria: relative velocity ≃1–10m/s or smaller, and ≃100km distance (i.e. about the Hill sphere distance from the parent body). We conclude that, unless the separation event was an extremely recent event, these criteria present an insurmountable difficulty due to the combination of strong orbital chaoticity, orbit uncertainty and incompleteness of the dynamical model with respect to thermal accelerations. This situation leaves the link of the two bodies unresolved and calls for additional analyses. With that goal, we revisit the presumed compositional link between (86039) 1999 NC43 and the Chelyabinsk body. Borovička et al. (Borovička, J., et al. [2013]. Nature 503, 235–237) noted that given its Q-type taxonomic classification, 1999 NC43 may pass this test. However, here we find that while the Q-type classification of 1999 NC43 is accurate, assuming that all Q-types are LL chondrites is not. Our experiment shows that not all ordinary chondrites fall under Q-taxonomic type and not all LL chondrites are Q-types. Spectral curve matching between laboratory spectra of Chelyabinsk and 1999 NC43 spectrum shows that the spectra do not match. Mineralogical analysis of Chelyabinsk (LL chondrite) and (8) Flora (the largest member of the presumed LL chondrite parent family) shows that their olivine and pyroxene chemistries are similar to LL chondrites. Similar analysis of 1999 NC43 shows that its olivine and pyroxene chemistries are more similar to L chondrites than LL chondrites (like Chelyabinsk). Analysis of the spectrum using Modified Gaussian Model (MGM) suggests 1999 NC43 is similar to LL or L chondrite although we suspect this ambiguity is due to lack of temperature and phase angle corrections in the model. While some asteroid pairs show differences in spectral slope, there is no evidence for L and LL chondrite type objects fissioning out from the same parent body. We also took photometric observations of 1999 NC43 over 54 nights during two apparitions (2000, 2014). The lightcurve of 1999 NC43 resembles simulated lightcurves of tumblers in Short-Axis Mode (SAM) with the mean wobbling angle 20°–30°. The very slow rotation of 1999 NC43 could be a result of slow-down by the Yarkovsky–O’Keefe–Radzievskii–Paddack (YORP) effect. While, a mechanism of the non-principal axis rotation excitation is unclear, we can rule out the formation of asteroid in disruption of its parent body as a plausible cause, as it is unlikely that the rotation of an asteroid fragment from catastrophic disruption would be nearly completely halted. Considering all these facts, we find the proposed link between the Chelyabinsk meteoroid and the Asteroid 1999 NC43 to be unlikely.

Evidence for a source of H chondrites in the outer main asteroid belt

Aims. In this paper we report near-infrared spectroscopic observations of one of the largest potentially hazardous asteroids, (214869) 2007 PA8. Mineralogical analysis of this object was followed by the investigation of the dynamical delivery mechanism from its probable source region, based on long-term numerical integrations. Methods. The spectrum of (214869) 2007 PA8 was analysed using the positions of 1 μ ma nd 2μm bands and by curve-matching with RELAB meteorites spectra. Its dynamical evolution was investigated by means of a 200 000-year numerical integration in the past of 1275 clones followed to the source region. Results. (214869) 2007 PA8 has a very young surface with a composition more akin to H chondrites than to any other type of ordinary chondrite. It arrived from the outer Main Belt in the near-Earth space via the 5:2 mean motion resonance with Jupiter by eccentricity pumping. Identification of its source region far from (6) Hebe raises the possibility of the existence of a second parent body of the H chondrites that has a radically different post-accretion history. Future spectroscopic surveys in the 5:2 resonance region will most likely discover other asteroids with an H chondrite composition.

Clues to the origin of metal in Almahata Sitta EL and EH chondrites and implications for primitive E chondrite thermal histories

Enstatite (E) chondrites are a group of texturally highly variable meteorites formed under strongly reducing conditions giving rise to unique mineral and chemical characteristics (e.g., high abundances of various sulfides and Si-bearing metal). In particular the abundant metal comprises a range of textures in E chondrites of different petrologic type, but available in situ siderophile trace element data on metal are limited. Nine samples of E chondrites from the recent Almahata Sitta fall [one EH3, two EL3/4, two EL6, two EL impact melt rocks (IMR), two EH IMR] were investigated in this study in addition to St. Mark’s (EH5) and Grein 002 (EL4/5), with a focus on the nature of their metal constituents. Special attention was given to metal–silicate intergrowths (MSSI) that occur in many primitive E chondrites, which have been interpreted as post-accretionary asteroidal impact melts or primitive nebular condensates. This study shows that siderophile trace element systematics in E chondrite metal are independent of petrologic type of the host rock and distinct from condensation signatures. Three basic types of siderophile trace element signatures can be distinguished, indicating crystallization from a melt, thermal equilibration upon metamorphism/complete melting, and exsolution of schreibersite–perryite–sulfide. Textural and mineral–chemical constraints from EL3/4s are used to evaluate previously proposed formation processes of MSSI (impact melting vs. nebular condensation) and elucidate which other formation scenarios are feasible. It is shown that post-accretionary (in situ) impact melting or metallic melt injection forming MSSI on the thin section scale, and nebular condensation, are unlikely formation processes. This leads to the conclusion that MSSIs are pre-accretionary melt objects that were formed during melting processes prior to the accretion of the primitive E chondrites. The same can be concluded for metal nodules in the EH3 chondrite examined. The pre-accretionary origin of MSSIs in E chondrites is consistent with a growing body of evidence for early differentiation followed by impact disruption of early formed planetesimals in all major chondrite types.

Apatites in lunar KREEP basalts: The missing link to understanding the H isotope systematics of the Moon

Recent re-analyses of lunar samples have undoubtedly measured indigenous water, challenging the paradigm of a “dry” Moon, and arguing that some portions of the lunar interior are as wet as some regions of the Earth’s mantle and that water in both planetary bodies likely share a common origin. Mare basalts indirectly sample the lunar mantle and are affected by petrogenetic processes such as crystallization and degassing that can modify characteristics of indigenous water in primary mantle melts. Analyses of apatite in phosphorus-rich KREEP (K + REE [rare earth elements] + P) basalts may provide more reliable estimates for the water content of lunar magmas, as some apatites likely crystallized before substantial degassing occurred. In lunar KREEP basalt sample 15386, apatite H 2 O content and H isotopic composition suggest that degassing occurred during apatite crystallization, the lowest δD value of 90‰ ± 100‰ representing an upper limit for the isotopic composition of water in the parental magma. Interpretation of the data for KREEP basalt 15386 suggests that this basalt is characterized by relatively elevated H 2 O contents and CI chondrite–type δD values, similar to those proposed for other mare basalts and pyroclastic glasses. On the other hand, most of the apatites in lunar KREEP basalt 72275 and lunar meteorite NWA 773 crystallized before degassing and H isotope fractionation, and their D/H ratios thus directly refl ect those of their source regions. These apatites have an average δD value of –130‰ ± 50‰, suggesting the presence of a water reservoir in the Moon characterized by moderate H 2 O contents and H isotopic composition similar to that of Earth’s interior. These fi ndings imply that signifi cant amounts of water in the Moon were inherited from the proto-Earth, surviving the purported Moon-forming impact event.

Petrology and bulk chemistry of Yamato‐82094, a new type of carbonaceous chondrite

AbstractCarbonaceous chondrites are classified into several groups. However, some are ungrouped. We studied one such ungrouped chondrite, Y‐82094, previously classified as a CO. In this chondrite, chondrules occupy 78 vol%, and the matrix is distinctly poor in abundance (11 vol%), compared with CO and other C chondrites. The average chondrule size is 0.33 mm, different from that in C chondrites. Although these features are similar to those in ordinary chondrites, Y‐82094 contains 3 vol% Ca‐Al‐rich inclusions and 5% amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs). Also, the bulk composition resembles that of CO chondrites, except for the volatile elements, which are highly depleted. The oxygen isotopic composition of Y‐82094 is within the range of CO and CV chondrites. Therefore, Y‐82094 is an ungrouped C chondrite, not similar to any other C chondrite previously reported. Thin FeO‐rich rims on AOA olivine and the mode of occurrence of Ni‐rich metal in the chondrules indicate that Y‐82094 is petrologic type 3.2. The extremely low abundance of type II chondrules and high abundance of Fe‐Ni metal in the chondrules suggest reducing condition during chondrule formation. The depletion of volatile elements indicates that the components formed under high‐temperature conditions, and accreted to the parent body of Y‐82094. Our study suggests a wider range of formation conditions than currently recorded by the major C chondrite groups. Additionally, Y‐82094 may represent a new, previously unsampled, asteroidal body.

Mössbauer studies of Soltmany and Shisr 176 meteorites – comparison with other ordinary chondrites

Two ordinary chondrites type L6: Soltmany and Shisr 176, were recently investigated in our laboratory. The distribution of iron in the 4 main iron bearing mineral phases (olivine, pyroxene, kamacite and troilite) determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy in Soltmany and Shisr 176 meteorites was very different from that in the Baszkowka meteorite (type L5). To explain the cause of this difference, a comparison of the distribution of iron among the main mineral phases present in other type L and H meteorites was performed. Our studies have shown that the Baszkowka meteorite is not a good point of reference for Soltmany and Shisr 176 meteorites.

Overview of the composition of asteroid 4 Vesta: Constraints from the Dawn spacecraft mission and HEDs

Overview of the composition of asteroid 4 Vesta: Constraints from the Dawn spacecraft mission and HEDs

Physical characterization of Warm Spitzer-observed near-Earth objects

Near-infrared spectroscopy of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) connects diagnostic spectral features to specific surface mineralogies. The combination of spectroscopy with albedos and diameters derived from thermal infrared observations can increase the scientific return beyond that of the individual datasets. For instance, some taxonomic classes can be separated into distinct compositional groupings with albedo and different mineralogies with similar albedos can be distinguished with spectroscopy. To that end, we have completed a spectroscopic observing campaign to complement the ExploreNEOs Warm Spitzer program that obtained albedos and diameters of nearly 600 NEOs (Trilling, D.E. et al. [2010]. Astron. J. 140, 770–784. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0004-6256/140/3/770). The spectroscopy campaign included visible and near-infrared observations of ExploreNEOs targets from various observatories. Here we present the results of observations using the low-resolution prism mode (∼0.7–2.5μm) of the SpeX instrument on the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF). We also include near-infrared observations of ExploreNEOs targets from the MIT-UH-IRTF Joint Campaign for Spectral Reconnaissance. Our dataset includes near-infrared spectra of 187 ExploreNEOs targets (125 observations of 92 objects from our survey and 213 observations of 154 objects from the MIT survey). We identify a taxonomic class for each spectrum and use band parameter analysis to investigate the mineralogies for the S-, Q-, and V-complex objects. Our analysis suggests that for spectra that contain near-infrared data but lack the visible wavelength region, the Bus–DeMeo system misidentifies some S-types as Q-types. We find no correlation between spectral band parameters and ExploreNEOs albedos and diameters. We investigate the correlations of phase angle with Band Area Ratio and near-infrared spectral slope. We find slightly negative Band Area Ratio (BAR) correlations with phase angle for Eros and Ivar, but a positive BAR correlation with phase angle for Ganymed. The results of our phase angle study are consistent with those of (Sanchez, J.A., Reddy, V., Nathues, A., Cloutis, E.A., Mann, P., Hiesinger, H. [2012]. Icarus 220, 36–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2012.04.008, arXiv:1205.0248). We find evidence for spectral phase reddening for Eros, Ganymed, and Ivar. We identify the likely ordinary chondrite type analog for an appropriate subset of our sample. Our resulting proportions of H, L, and LL ordinary chondrites differ from those calculated for meteorite falls and in previous studies of ordinary chondrite-like NEOs.

REE and Hf distribution among mineral phases in the CV–CK clan: A way to explain present-day Hf isotopic variations in chondrites

Chondrites are among the most primitive objects in the Solar System and constitute the main building blocks of telluric planets. Among the radiochronometers currently used for dating geological events, Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf are both composed of refractory, lithophile element. They are thought to behave similarly as the parent elements (Sm and Lu) are generally less incompatible than the daughter elements (Nd and Hf) during geological processes. As such, their respective average isotopic compositions for the solar system should be well defined by the average of chondrites, called Chondritic Uniform Reservoir (CHUR). However, while the Sm–Nd isotopic system shows an actual spread of less than 4% in the average chondritic record, the Lu–Hf system shows a larger variation range of 28% [Bouvier A., Vervoort J. D. and Patchett P. J. (2008) The Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd isotopic composition of CHUR: Constraints from unequilibrated chondrites and implications for the bulk composition of terrestrial planets. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett.273, 48–57]. To better understand the contrast between Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf systems, the REE and Hf distribution among mineral phases during metamorphism of Karoonda (CK) and Vigarano-type (CV) carbonaceous chondrites has been examined. Mineral modes were determined from elemental mapping on a set of five CK chondrites (from types 3–6) and one CV3 chondrite. Trace-element patterns are obtained for the first time in all the chondrite-forming minerals of a given class (CK chondrites) as well as one CV3 sample. This study reveals that REE are distributed among both phosphates and silicates. Only 30–50% of Sm and Nd are stored in phosphates (at least in chondrites types 3–5); as such, they are not mobilized during early stages of metamorphism. The remaining fraction of Sm and Nd is distributed among the same mineral phases; these elements are therefore not decoupled during metamorphism. Of the whole-rock total of Lu, the fraction held in phosphate decreases significantly as the degree of metamorphism increases (30% for types 3 and 4, less than 5% in type 6). In contrast to Lu, Hf is mainly hosted by silicates with little contribution from phosphates throughout the CK metamorphic sequence. A significant part of Sm and Nd are stored in phosphates in types 3–5, and these elements behave similarly during CK chondrite metamorphism. That explains the robustness of the Sm/Nd ratios in chondrites through metamorphism, and the slight discrepancies observed in the present-day isotopic Nd values in chondrites. On the contrary, Lu and Hf are borne by several different minerals and consequently they are redistributed during metamorphism–induced recrystallization. The Lu/Hf ratios are therefore significantly disturbed during chondrites metamorphism, leading to the high discrepancies observed in present-day Hf isotopic values in chondrites.

New Raman Spectroscopic Data of the Almahata Sitta Meteorite

ABSTRACT Raman spectroscopy is a convenient method to classify polytypes plus polymorphs and to investigate different compositions, structures, and modifications of minerals. This information is required to classify meteorites of different mineral compositions. Our intention was to examine different graphite modifications and to determine the opaque phases within the Almahatta Sitta (AS) meteorite. Our investigation focused on specimens AS39 and AS4. Both are multicomponent breccias, composed of different meteoritic lithologies, that is, anomalous polymict ureilite material, different types of chondrites, and an iron meteorite.[ 1-5 ] The mix of material implicates a crash of variable asteroids within time and space. This means that a primary ureilitic asteroid body has been the target of multiple meteorite or asteroid impacts, which did not completely destroy the asteroid but added new material (from chondritic to iron) to the main mass. For instance, Gabriel and Pack[ 6 ] suggested that the vein metal of monomict ureilites is introduced by the impact of a Ni-poor iron meteorite in a similar scenario as described above. Raman spectroscopy helped to investigate different carbon materials, that is, graphite and diamond. We used single-spectrum acquisition and spatial mappings to identify the different modifications. Furthermore, we classified minor opaque phases such as schreibersite, suessite, daubreelite, cohenite, and kamacite. The investigation of these opaque phases is dealt with in further papers.[1,2]

Secrets of Primitive Meteorites

The article discusses research into the composition and properties of chondrite meteorite fragments in order to determine their cosmic origins. Particular focus is given to the analysis of chondrule silicate minerals, which formed into asteroids with dust and other metals, and the estimation of the original locations of several types of chondrites through the distribution of cosmic dusts at their formation. The results suggest a structure for the early solar system similar to that of the protoplanetary discs surrounding young T Tauri stars.

Sutter's Mill Meteorite Produces Mother Lode of Research

The Sutter's Mill meteorite is the most pristine sample yet collected of a rare type of carbonaceous chondrite, and possibly a sneak preview of a primitive asteroid to which NASA might one day send astronauts.

Radar-Enabled Recovery of the Sutter’s Mill Meteorite, a Carbonaceous Chondrite Regolith Breccia

Doppler weather radar imaging enabled the rapid recovery of the Sutter's Mill meteorite after a rare 4-kiloton of TNT-equivalent asteroid impact over the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in northern California. The recovered meteorites survived a record high-speed entry of 28.6 kilometers per second from an orbit close to that of Jupiter-family comets (Tisserand's parameter = 2.8 ± 0.3). Sutter's Mill is a regolith breccia composed of CM (Mighei)-type carbonaceous chondrite and highly reduced xenolithic materials. It exhibits considerable diversity of mineralogy, petrography, and isotope and organic chemistry, resulting from a complex formation history of the parent body surface. That diversity is quickly masked by alteration once in the terrestrial environment but will need to be considered when samples returned by missions to C-class asteroids are interpreted.

Phase reddening on near-Earth asteroids: Implications for mineralogical analysis, space weathering and taxonomic classification

Phase reddening is an effect that produces an increase of the spectral slope and variations in the strength of the absorption bands as the phase angle increases. In order to understand its effect on spectroscopic observations of asteroids, we have analyzed the visible and near-infrared spectra (0.45–2.5μm) of 12 near-Earth asteroids observed at different phase angles. All these asteroids are classified as either S-complex or Q-type asteroids. In addition, we have acquired laboratory spectra of three different types of ordinary chondrites at phase angles ranging from 13° to 120°. We have found that both, asteroid and meteorite spectra show an increase in band depths with increasing phase angle. In the case of the asteroids the Band I depth increases in the range of ∼2°<g<70° and the Band II depth increases in the range of ∼2°<g<55°. Using this information we have derived equations that can be used to correct the effect of phase reddening in the band depths. Of the three meteorite samples, the (olivine-rich) LL6 ordinary chondrite is the most affected by phase reddening. The studied ordinary chondrites have their maximum spectral contrast of Band I depths at a phase angle of ∼60°, followed by a decrease between 60° and 120° phase angle. The Band II depths of these samples have their maximum spectral contrast at phase angles of 30–60° which then gradually decreases to 120° phase angle. The spectral slope of the ordinary chondrites spectra shows a significant increase with increasing phase angle for g>30°. Variations in band centers and band area ratio (BAR) values were also found, however they seems to have no significant impact on the mineralogical analysis. Our study showed that the increase in spectral slope caused by phase reddening is comparable to certain degree of space weathering. In particular, an increase in phase angle in the range of 30–120° will produce a reddening of the reflectance spectra equivalent to exposure times of ∼0.1×106–1.3×106years at about 1AU from the Sun. This increase in spectral slope due to phase reddening is also comparable to the effects caused by the addition of different fractions of SMFe. Furthermore, we found that under some circumstances phase reddening could lead to an ambiguous taxonomic classification of asteroids.

The Tafassasset primitive achondrite: Insights into initial stages of planetary differentiation

Tafassasset is an exceptional meteorite that has been linked to both the CR chondrites and the primitive achondrites. Because previous evidence suggests it might be a primitive achondrite from a known chondrite type, we have undertaken a study of the petrology, geochemistry, and formation history of the meteorite. Tafassasset is predominantly FeO-rich olivine (∼58%) yet contains abundant Fe,Ni-metal (∼10vol.%) and sulfide (∼3vol.%). Other phases include high- and low-Ca pyroxene, plagioclase, chromite, and phosphate. It has a recrystallized texture, containing equigranular grains that often meet at 120° triple junctions. There are no relict chondrules in the thin sections examined, although they have been reported previously. Electron microprobe analyses reveal homogeneous olivine (Fa28.6), both low-and high-Ca pyroxene (Fs23.6Wo3.7 and Fs12.2Wo39.3±1), a range of plagioclase composition (An23–47), Fe,Ni-metal (with 5.3–36.6wt.% Ni and 0.1–0.8wt.% Co), troilite, chromite, and Ca–phosphate. Bulk composition analyses reveal two chips depleted in refractory lithophile and some siderophile elements compared to CI chondrites. Exceptions are enrichments in Fe, Ni and Co. A third chip is essentially chondritic in bulk composition. Different stones of the meteorite have slightly different oxygen isotope composition, yet all lie in the CR chondrite trend with one in the acapulcoite–lodranite field. Thermodynamic calculations show that Tafassasset equilibrated at a temperature above the Fe,Ni–FeS eutectic and at an oxygen fugacity of ∼IW-1. The texture, heterogeneous distribution of mineral phases, plagioclase composition, two-mineral closure temperatures, and bulk composition all provide evidence that Tafassasset partially melted on its parent body. A comparison with the CR chondrites, the brachinites, and two anomalous achondrites indicates that Tafassasset is most similar to ungrouped primitive achondrites Lewis Cliff (LEW) 88763 and Divnoe, and to the brachinites in overall petrography, modal mineralogy, mineral compositions, oxidation state, and bulk composition. The comparison also excludes the possibility that Tafassasset formed by partial melting of a CR chondrite. Tafassasset is a primitive achondrite and likely evolved on a parent body that experienced incomplete melting, never reached isotopic homogeneity, and was from the same oxygen isotopic reservoir as the CR chondrite parent body.

Framboidal iron oxide: Chondrite-like material from the black mat, Murray Springs, Arizona

At the end of the Pleistocene a Younger Dryas “black mat” was deposited on top of the Pleistocene sediments in many parts of North America. A study of the magnetic fraction (~10,900±50B.P.) from the basal section of the black mat at Murray Springs, AZ revealed the presence of amorphous iron oxide framboids in a glassy iron-silica matrix. These framboids are very similar in appearance and chemistry to those reported from several types of carbonaceous chondrites. The glass contains iron, silicon, oxygen, vanadium and minor titanium, while the framboidal particles contain calcium as well. The major element chemistry of both the spherules and the glass matrix are consistent with the chemistry of material associated with meteorite impact sites and meteorites. Electron microscopy confirms that the glassy material is indeed amorphous, and also shows that what appear to be individual oxide particles are amorphous as well. The latter appears consistent with their overall morphology that, while euhedral, typically shows significant fracture. Based on these data, we argue that these particles are the product of a hypervelocity impact.

A chondrule-like object captured by space-exposed aerogel on the international space station

Here we report on the mineralogy, petrography, and oxygen-isotope compositions of a micrometeoroid captured on the international space station. This micrometeoroid has the texture of a porphyritic olivine chondrule. Because hydrated phases were not identified in the micrometeoroid and because Ni-rich sulfide in it does not show exsolution of pentlandite on the TEM scale, the micrometeoroid probably escaped low temperature events such as aqueous alteration on its parent body. However, the mean value and standard deviation of Cr 2O 3 wt.% in olivine in the micrometeoroid suggest that the micrometeoroid experienced weak thermal metamorphism. Oxygen isotope ratios of pyroxene and olivine in the micrometeoroid are similar to those of chondrule-like objects in comet 81P/Wild2 and coarse-grained crystalline micrometeorites as well as those in chondrules in major types of carbonaceous chondrites. These data suggest that the micrometeoroid is a fragment of a chondrule-like object that was derived from a primitive parent body that experienced thermal metamorphism.