Hypervelocity impacts as a source of deceiving surface signatures on iron-rich asteroids.

ABSTRACT: Several arguments point to a larger proportion of metal-rich asteroids than that derived from spectral observations, as remnants of collisional disruptions of differentiated bodies. We show experimentally that this apparent deficit may result from the coating of metallic surfaces by silicate melts produced during impacts of hydrated or dry projectiles at typical asteroid impact speeds. Spectral analysis of steel and iron meteorite targets after impact shows a profoundly modified optical signature. Furthermore, hydrated projectiles leave a 3-μm absorption hydration feature. This feature is thus consistent with a metallic surface and does not require an unusual low-speed impact. Unless systematizing radar measurements, ground-based spectral observations can be deceptive in identifying iron-r

SUBMITTER: Libourel G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6713493 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature