Solar System Objects Research Articles

Analytical model for starshade formation flying with applications to exoplanet direct imaging observation scheduling

We present an analytical model for the desired kinematics of the starshade-telescope relative motion during exoplanet direct imaging observations. We combine this model with an existing deadbanding strategy published by the NASA JPL S5 Team to define a dynamics framework for deadbanding simulations. Global results of these simulations show that the fuel usage and the number of observation interruptions vary as a function of the target star ecliptic coordinates and time, meaning there exist optimal times to observe particular targets. We combine these results with the telescope pointing constraints due to the relative position of the Sun and other bright solar system objects. We show that optimally scheduling an observation could result in up to 30 more min of integration time and 26 fewer interruptions per observation, improvements of almost 300% in some cases. We also show how phasing the start time of the telescope on its halo orbit is paramount for ensuring optimal observations, providing up to 68 additional min and 31 fewer interruptions per observation. Choosing an optimal halo phasing can also increase, for some near-ecliptic target stars, the fraction of a year that the target is observable from a few percent to more than 30%.

Same family, different neighborhoods: Visible near-infrared (0.7–2.45 μm) spectral distinctions of D-type asteroids at different heliocentric distances

D-type asteroids represent a complex mystery related to the accretional history, composition, and dynamical migration of Outer Solar System objects. These spectrally featureless bodies have revealed few clues while raising many questions over four decades. D-types are dark, difficult to observe and perhaps contain unaltered primordial material. D-type asteroids are abundant in the outer belt, dominant in the Jupiter Trojans, and rare in the inner belt as well as near Earth space. Material spectrally similar to D-types is pervasive on other outer solar system bodies as well. The appearance of dark, spectrally red material in multiple classes of small bodies suggests some unknown geochemical and/or evolutionary connection(s) may exist between them. Our investigation focused on the visible near-infrared (VNIR) (0.7–2.45 μm) spectral distinctions of D-types based on heliocentric location. Twenty-five newly acquired spectra from NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) plus sixty-one IRTF VNIR spectra from the literature were combined into a single database and extensively analyzed with multiple orbital, observational, and spectral variables included in the examination. Twelve of the newly acquired spectra had not been imaged previously at IRTF.Pearson's correlation, simple and multiple regression, slope analysis, Monte Carlo modeling, as well as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) determined D-types show increased reddening with decreasing distance, with the segment from 1.5–2.45 μm, driving the overall trend for the full slope. Principal components show strong connection to the 0.7–1.35 μm slope and inclination of D-type Jupiter Trojans. Principal component combinations, magnitudes, and positive/negative direction relate strongly to both observed and derived differences in the D-type L4 and L5 Trojan population. The L5 population is less evolved spectrally and dynamically than L4 counterparts perhaps due to lower dynamical instabilities inside the L4 cloud.

The physical and dynamical characteristics of the asteroid 4940 Polenov

The asteroid (1986 QY4) 4940 Polenov is the first Solar system object whose 3D shape is determined using the observations from the newly built Astronomical Station Vidojevica (ASV). Here we present the results of photometric observations for Polenov, gathered from the ASV, and from the Bulgarian National Astronomical Observatory (BNAO) Rozhen, during 2014, 2019 and 2020 apparitions. Polenov is a 17.8km object located in the outer part of the main belt and belongs to the asteroid family Themis. We have determined the lightcurves, the synodic period of 4.161?0.001 h, as well as the solution for the shape and spin axis. Using the lightcurve inversion method, the combination of our lightcurves and the sparse data from ATLAS{HKO and ATLAS-MLO, we also found the sidereal period, indicating a retrograde rotation of the asteroid, with two possible mirrored pole solutions. The ratio of the largest to smallest reecting surface is about 1.4. In addition, we studied the dynamical properties of the asteroid and obtained a long stability time that exceeds 0.4 Gyrs.

Calibrated Full-frame Images for the TESS Quick Look Pipeline

Abstract We describe calibrated TESS images that serve as the input to the MIT Quick Look Pipeline, which we are releasing as a High Level Science Product (HLSP). We also outline the python package tica, which we use to fully calibrate the raw pixels and apply astrometric registration in the form of World Coordinate Solutions. This HLSP could serve as a means for delivering calibrated Full Frame Images to the public promptly after downlink from the spacecraft, which occurs every two weeks. This capability would potentially enable new science investigations with TESS data such as fast follow-up of transient sources and determination of new solar system object ephemerides.

Ethane clathrate hydrate infrared signatures for solar system remote sensing

Hydrocarbons such as methane and ethane are present in many solar system objects, including comets, moons and planets. The interaction of these hydrocarbons with water ice at low temperatures could lead to the formation of inclusion compounds, such as clathrate hydrates (water based host cages trapping guest molecules), modifying their retention, stability and therefore evolution. The occurrence of clathrate hydrates on solar system surfaces could be established by remote sensing of their spectroscopic signatures. In this study, we measure and analyse ethane clathrate hydrate spectra recorded in the temperature range from 5.3 to 160 K, covering most of the temperature range of interest for solar system objects. Specific infrared band signatures are identified for the ethane encaged guest. We provide evidence that ethane clathrate hydrate outcrops can be detected by remote sensing on the surface of planetary bodies.

Mid-infrared spectroscopy of crystalline plagioclase feldspar samples with various Al,Si order and implications for remote sensing of Mercury and other terrestrial Solar System objects

We analyzed plagioclase feldspar samples that were well-characterized in terms of chemical composition as well as degree of Al,Si order in mid-infrared reflection spectra between 7 μm and 14 μm (1429 cm−1 and 714 cm−1). The chemical compositions were derived with an electron microprobe analyzer. To determine the degree of Al,Si order, powder X-ray diffraction methods were applied. For the interpretation of the infrared spectra, we used the wavelength of the Christiansen feature (CF) and the autocorrelation function for a specific wavelength region. The CF shifts from around 7.72 μm (1296 cm−1) in Na-richest samples to 8.10 μm (1234 cm−1) in the Ca-richest sample. Combining the CF position and the autocorrelation-derived value allowed to determine the degree of Al,Si order of the samples based on reflection spectra. The wavelength of the Transparency feature (TF) in the finest analyzed grain size fraction also depends on the chemical composition and the degree of Al,Si order. Our results are helpful for the interpretation of data returned by the MERTIS experiment onboard BepiColombo. The data help to distinguish between space weathering, shock effects, and ordering effects in plagioclase samples.

Formation of Complex Organic Molecules (COMs) from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Implications for ISM IR Emission Plateaus and Solar System Organics

The presence of complex organic molecules (COMs) in a variety of solar system objects has prompted various theories regarding their origins. This paper reports on a series of proton, electron, and UV radiation experiments, conducted singly and in combination, on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) thin films to determine if PAH-related materials could be related to COMs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and mass spectra reveal that the PAHs are fragmented and altered, producing new infrared features and a mass spectral pattern similar to those from small aliphatic and larger saturated hydrocarbon chain and ring systems. Mass spectra after proton and electron irradiation exhibit significant differences. The proton irradiation products appear to contain more oxygen-related species, possibly the result of higher H2O concentrations in the vacuum chamber, whereas electron irradiation generates a more abundant, larger mass organic species mass spectral pattern. Combined irradiation produces a superposition of the proton and electron results, with some subtle differences. Mass spectral patterns resulting from electron and combined irradiation compare favorably to Cassini ion neutral mass spectrometer (INMS) measurements of particles falling from Saturn’s inner rings into its upper atmosphere. FTIR results are compared to PAH emission from interstellar sources and absorption components in IR spectra observed toward low-mass young stellar objects (YSOs). Notably, some newly reported broad IR features appear very similar in structure to the plateaus underlying the astronomical 3.2−3.6, 6−9, and 10–15 μm emission plateaus and several of the absorption components found in spectra observed toward YSOs. The studies also indicate that the presence of other species, such as H2O, may significantly impact the radiation products. These results point to the fact that a top-down synthesis of solar system COMs is possible via irradiative processing of PAHs.

On the Accuracy of the ALMA Flux Calibration in the Time Domain and across Spectral Windows

Abstract A diverse array of science goals requires accurate flux calibration of observations with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter array (ALMA); however, this goal remains challenging due to the stochastic time-variability of the “grid” quasars ALMA uses for calibration. In this work, we use 343.5 GHz (Band 7) ALMA Atacama Compact Array observations of four bright and stable young stellar objects over seven epochs to independently assess the accuracy of the ALMA flux calibration and to refine the relative calibration across epochs. The use of these four extra calibrators allows us to achieve an unprecedented relative ALMA calibration accuracy of ∼3%. On the other hand, when the observatory calibrator catalog is not up to date, the Band 7 data calibrated by the ALMA pipeline may have a flux calibration poorer than the nominal 10%, which can be exacerbated by weather-related phase decorrelation when self-calibration of the science target is either not possible or not attempted. We also uncover a relative flux calibration uncertainty between spectral windows of 0.8%, implying that measuring spectral indices within a single ALMA band is likely highly uncertain. We thus recommend various methods for science goals requiring high flux accuracy and robust calibration, in particular, the observation of additional calibrators combined with a relative calibration strategy, and observation of solar system objects for high absolute accuracy.

Temperature-dependent, VIS-NIR reflectance spectroscopy of sodium sulfates

Hydrated sodium sulfates have been suggested to be present in variable amounts in Solar System objects such as Mars and Europa, among the possible others. The presence of these hydrated species is related to current/past aqueous environments, thus has an importance regarding the potential habitability of planetary objects. In this study, we analyzed anhydrous sodium sulfate (thénardite) and the hydrated sodium sulfate (mirabilite) by means of visible-infrared reflectance spectroscopy in the 0.4–5 μm spectral range, at different low temperatures between 80 and 298 K. Each mineral has been analyzed in three different grain sizes, between 36 and 150 μm. The anhydrous compound, thénardite, is characterized by a nearly flat spectrum in the visible and near IR up to 2.6 μm, while in the 3–4 μm region, the spectrum shows a few weak features due to H2O and SO42− overtones/combinations. The first strong SO42− overtone is visible at 4.6 μm. Spectra of mirabilite are substantially characterized by H2O absorption features in the 1–3 μm region, and by sulfate overtone/combination bands occurring at 3.8 and 4.7 μm. A weak feature appearing at 2.18 μm is also putatively attributed to the sulfate ion. The bands show changes as a function of temperature. The hydration absorption features in mirabilite show the strongest dependence with temperature, both in terms of shift in position and change of spectral shape. Bands at 3.1–3.24 μm in thénardite, as well as absorption features located at 1.78 and 2.47 μm in mirabilite, could be used as diagnostic proxies for the detection of these two minerals on planetary bodies.

Spitzer’s Solar System studies of comets, centaurs and Kuiper belt objects

In its 16 years of scientific measurements, the Spitzer Space Telescope performed ground-breaking and key infrared measurements of Solar System objects near and far. Targets ranged from the smallest planetesimals to the giant planets; Spitzer helped us to reshape our understanding of these objects while also laying the groundwork for future infrared space-based observations like those to be undertaken by the James Webb Space Telescope in the 2020s. In this Review Article, we describe how Spitzer advanced our knowledge of Solar System formation and evolution through observations of small outer Solar System planetesimals—that is, comets, centaurs and Kuiper belt objects (KBOs). Relics from the early formation era of our Solar System, these objects hold important information about the processes that created them.We group Spitzer’s key contributions into three broad classes: characterization of new Solar System objects (comets D/ISON 2012 S1, C/2016 R2 and 1I/‘Oumuamua); large population surveys of known objects (comets, centaurs and KBOs); and compositional studies through spectral measurements of body surfaces and emitted materials. In the Spitzer Space Telescope’s 16 years of operation, it observed many Solar System objects and environments. In this first Review Article of a pair, Spitzer’s insights into comets, centaurs and Kuiper belt objects—all remnants of the Solar System’s formation—are summarized.

Spitzer’s Solar System studies of asteroids, planets and the zodiacal cloud

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.

Ground-based visible spectroscopy of asteroids to support the development of an unsupervisedGaiaasteroid taxonomy

Context.TheGaiamission of the European Space Agency is measuring reflectance spectra of a number to the order of 105small Solar System objects. A first sample will be published in theGaiaData Release scheduled for 2021.Aims.The aim of our work was to test the procedure developed to obtain taxonomic classifications for asteroids based only onGaiaspectroscopic data.Methods.We used asteroid spectra obtained using the DOLORES (Device Optimised for the LOw RESolution) instrument, a low-resolution spectrograph and camera installed at the Nasmyth B focus of the Telescopio NazionaleGalileo. Because these spectra have a higher spectral resolution than that typical of theGaiaspectra, we resampled them to more closely match the expectedGaiaspectral resolution. We then developed a cloning algorithm to build a database of asteroid spectra belonging to a variety of taxonomic classes, starting from a set of 33 prototypes chosen from the 50 asteroids in our observing campaign. We used them to generate a simulated population of 10 000 representative asteroid spectra and employed them as the input to the algorithm for taxonomic classification developed to analyzeGaiaasteroid spectra.Results.Using the simulated population of 10 000 representative asteroid spectra in the algorithm to be used to produce theGaiaasteroid taxonomy at the end of the mission, we found 12 distinct taxonomic classes. Two of them, with 53% of the sample, are dominant. At the other extreme are three classes each with <1% of the sample, and these consist of the previously known rare classes A, D/Ld, and V; 99.1% of the simulated population fall into a single class.Conclusions.We demonstrated the robustness of our algorithm for taxonomic classification by using a sample of simulated asteroid spectra fully representative of what is expected to be in theGaiaspectroscopic data catalogue for asteroids. Increasingly larger data sets will become available as soon as they are published in the futureGaiadata releases, with the next one coming in 2021. This will be exploited to develop a correspondingly improved taxonomy, likely with minor tweaks to the algorithm described here, as suggested by the results of this preliminary analysis.

Into the UV: The Atmosphere of the Hot Jupiter HAT-P-41b Revealed

Abstract For solar system objects, ultraviolet spectroscopy has been critical in identifying sources of stratospheric heating and measuring the abundances of a variety of hydrocarbon and sulfur-bearing species, produced via photochemical mechanisms, as well as oxygen and ozone. To date, fewer than 20 exoplanets have been probed in this critical wavelength range (0.2–0.4 μm). Here we use data from Hubble’s newly implemented WFC3 UVIS G280 grism to probe the atmosphere of the hot Jupiter HAT-P-41b in the ultraviolet through optical in combination with observations at infrared wavelengths. We analyze and interpret HAT-P-41b’s 0.2–5.0 μm transmission spectrum using a broad range of methodologies including multiple treatments of data systematics as well as comparisons with atmospheric forward, cloud microphysical, and multiple atmospheric retrieval models. Although some analysis and interpretation methods favor the presence of clouds or potentially a combination of Na, VO, AlO, and CrH to explain the ultraviolet through optical portions of HAT-P-41b’s transmission spectrum, we find that the presence of a significant H− opacity provides the most robust explanation. We obtain a constraint for the abundance of H−, , in HAT-P-41b’s atmosphere, which is several orders of magnitude larger than predictions from equilibrium chemistry for a ∼1700–1950 K hot Jupiter. We show that a combination of photochemical and collisional processes on hot hydrogen-dominated exoplanets can readily supply the necessary amount of H− and suggest that such processes are at work in HAT-P-41b and the atmospheres of many other hot Jupiters.

Barycentric Corrections for Precise Radial Velocity Measurements of Sunlight

Abstract We provide formulae for the calculation of precise Doppler velocities of sunlight, in both the case of direct observations of the Sun and in reflection from the surfaces of solar system objects such as the Moon or asteroids. We discuss the meaning of a “barycentric correction” of measurements of these Doppler velocities, which is a different procedure from the analogous correction for starlight, and provide a formula for reducing such measurements to the component of the Sun’s motion in the direction of Earth or other solar system object. We have implemented this procedure in the public barycorrpy Python package and use it to explore the properties of the barycentric-corrected Doppler velocity of sunlight over 30 yr. When measured directly, we show that it is dominated by nonperiodic motion due to Jupiter and that the signals of the other planets, including Venus, are not discernible in Fourier space. We show that “detecting” Venus in Doppler velocities of sunlight will require either observing sunlight in reflection from an asteroid or modeling their individual contributions to the motion of the Sun in counterfactual kinematic or dynamical simulations of the solar system with and without them.

Near-infrared Spectral Characterization of Solar-type Stars in the Northern Hemisphere

Abstract Although solar-analog stars have been studied extensively over the past few decades, most of these studies have focused on visible wavelengths, especially those identifying solar-analog stars to be used as calibration tools for observations. As a result, there is a dearth of well-characterized solar analogs for observations in the near-infrared, a wavelength range important for studying solar system objects. We present 184 stars selected based on solar-like spectral type and V−J and V−K colors whose spectra we have observed in the 0.8–4.2 μm range for calibrating our asteroid observations. Each star has been classified into one of three ranks based on spectral resemblance to vetted solar analogs. Of our set of 184 stars, we report 145 as reliable solar-analog stars, 21 as solar analogs usable after spectral corrections with low-order polynomial fitting, and 18 as unsuitable for use as calibration standards owing to spectral shape, variability, or features at low to medium resolution. We conclude that all but five of our candidates are reliable solar analogs in the longer wavelength range from 2.5 to 4.2 μm. The average colors of the stars classified as reliable or usable solar analogs are V−J = 1.148, V−H = 1.418, and V−K = 1.491, with the entire set being distributed fairly uniformly in R.A. across the sky between −27° and +67° in decl.

SATELLITE NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT FOR SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS EXPLORATION

The article contains the overview of perspective satellite navigation systems for other planets and objects of Solar System. The example of this conception for the Moon is considered. The paper contains the brief overview of Moon exploration perspectives. An overview of countries’ space agencies programs on the Moon with automatic and human missions. The problem of lunar and cislunar navigation is considered, the ways of its solution are overviewed. One of the possible cases for lunar and cislunar navigation system realization is to create the satellite system similar to the Earth’s GNSS using the existing experiences. The main goal of the article is the conception of lunar receiver designed for the lunar navigation satellite system in case it is similar to GLONASS. The formulas’ simplifications because of Moon’s features are considered, including: absence of atmosphere and as a result absence of ionospheric and tropospheric delays; more simple gravity field because of small flattering (almost spherical shape). The conclusions on perspectives of the lunar navigation are made.

Methylenimine and cyanomethanimine synthesis from ion irradiation of N2-CH4 ice: Implication on the formation of prebiotic molecules in outer solar system bodies

The synthesis of methylenimine and cyanomethanimine from ion irradiation of N2-CH4 ice was studied, in an attempt to simulate the role of medium mass cosmic rays and energetic solar particles in the processing of nitrogen-rich ices on cold astrophysical environments, such as those in the outer region of the solar system (e.g. Pluto, Charon, Triton, Makemake and Titan). The N2-CH4 (90:10) ice mixture was irradiated at 9 K by 38.4 MeV 40Ca9+ (0.96 MeV/u) at the GANIL facility (Caen/Fance). The evolution of the samples was monitored using in-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicate the formation of CH2NH and CH2NCN, which are considered species of interest in prebiotic chemistry. Other species produced by radiolysis were HCN, HNC, hydrocarbons and nitriles. Direct comparison of the laboratory spectrum from the mixture of reaction products provides an efficient way to focus on the identification of chemical synthesis routes for the production of molecules important in the development of life that are consistent with the chemical inventory and physical conditions on frozen moons and cold objects in the outer solar system.

Incorporating Physical Knowledge Into Machine Learning for Planetary Space Physics.

Recent improvements in data collection volume from planetary and space physics missions have allowed the application of novel data science techniques. The Cassini mission for example collected over 600 gigabytes of scientific data from 2004 to 2017. This represents a surge of data on the Saturn system. In comparison, the previous mission to Saturn, Voyager over 20 years earlier, had onboard a ~70 kB 8-track storage ability. Machine learning can help scientists work with data on this larger scale. Unlike many applications of machine learning, a primary use in planetary space physics applications is to infer behavior about the system itself. This raises three concerns: first, the performance of the machine learning model, second, the need for interpretable applications to answer scientific questions, and third, how characteristics of spacecraft data change these applications. In comparison to these concerns, uses of “black box” or un-interpretable machine learning methods tend toward evaluations of performance only either ignoring the underlying physical process or, less often, providing misleading explanations for it. The present work uses Cassini data as a case study as these data are similar to space physics and planetary missions at Earth and other solar system objects. We build off a previous effort applying a semi-supervised physics-based classification of plasma instabilities in Saturn’s magnetic environment, or magnetosphere. We then use this previous effort in comparison to other machine learning classifiers with varying data size access, and physical information access. We show that incorporating knowledge of these orbiting spacecraft data characteristics improves the performance and interpretability of machine leaning methods, which is essential for deriving scientific meaning. Building on these findings, we present a framework on incorporating physics knowledge into machine learning problems targeting semi-supervised classification for space physics data in planetary environments. These findings present a path forward for incorporating physical knowledge into space physics and planetary mission data analyses for scientific discovery.

Asteroid (16) Psyche’s primordial shape: A possible Jacobi ellipsoid

Context. Asteroid (16) Psyche is the largest M-type asteroid in the main belt and the target of the NASA Psyche mission. It is also the only asteroid of this size (D > 200 km) known to be metal rich. Although various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the rather unique physical properties of this asteroid, a perfect understanding of its formation and bulk composition is still missing. Aims. We aim to refine the shape and bulk density of (16) Psyche and to perform a thorough analysis of its shape to better constrain possible formation scenarios and the structure of its interior. Methods. We obtained disk-resolved VLT/SPHERE/ZIMPOL images acquired within our ESO large program (ID 199.C-0074), which complement similar data obtained in 2018. Both data sets offer a complete coverage of Psyche’s surface. These images were used to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) shape of Psyche with two independent shape modeling algorithms (MPCD and ADAM). A shape analysis was subsequently performed, including a comparison with equilibrium figures and the identification of mass deficit regions. Results. Our 3D shape along with existing mass estimates imply a density of 4.20 ± 0.60 g cm−3, which is so far the highest for a solar system object following the four telluric planets. Furthermore, the shape of Psyche presents small deviations from an ellipsoid, that is, prominently three large depressions along its equator. The flatness and density of Psyche are compatible with a formation at hydrostatic equilibrium as a Jacobi ellipsoid with a shorter rotation period of ∼3h. Later impacts may have slowed down Psyche’s rotation, which is currently ∼4.2 h, while also creating the imaged depressions. Conclusions. Our results open the possibility that Psyche acquired its primordial shape either after a giant impact while its interior was already frozen or while its interior was still molten owing to the decay of the short-lived radionuclide 26Al.

Apsidal Clustering following the Inclination Instability

Abstract Disks of low-mass bodies on high-eccentricity orbits in near-Keplerian potentials can be dynamically unstable to buckling out of the plane. In this Letter, we present N-body simulations of the long-term behavior of such a system, finding apsidal clustering of the orbits in the disk plane. The timescale over which the clustering is maintained increases with number of particles, suggesting that lopsided configurations are stable at large N. This discovery may explain the observed apsidal (ϖ) clustering of extreme trans-Neptunian Objects in the outer solar system.