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Comparison of space weathering features in three particles from Itokawa
Author(s) -
Burgess K. D.,
Stroud R. M.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
meteoritics and planetary science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.09
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1945-5100
pISSN - 1086-9379
DOI - 10.1111/maps.13692
Subject(s) - space weathering , asteroid , weathering , astrobiology , micrometeoroid , touchdown , geology , astronomy , spacecraft , physics , geochemistry , space debris , geography , archaeology
Abstract The return of samples from S‐type asteroid 25143 Itokawa have enabled significant improvements in our understanding of space weathering on asteroids and the link between S‐type asteroids and ordinary chondrites. We report on three new particles, providing details on space weathering of adjacent grains within a particle and several different phases. The features we observe are consistent with formation via irradiation from the solar wind, as opposed to micrometeoroid bombardment. We also see differences in the degree of weathering for grains collected from the two different touchdown locations on the asteroid. Continued analysis of new grains from Itokawa allow us to draw a more complete picture of the variety of space weathering features and the processes that lead to their formation on Itokawa and other airless bodies.