Determining compositions of low-mass exoplanets is essential in understanding their origins. The certainty by which masses and radius are measured affects our ability to discern planets that are rocky or […]
astrogeology
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Comets and Asteroids, Meteorites & Asteroids, Status Report
Meteorites and Planet Formation
Meteorites are a remarkable resource. They capture the imagination of people worldwide with their spectacular entry through Earth’s atmosphere as fireballs, and their exotic character of being pieces of other […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Status Report
The Solar System: Structural Overview, Origins and Evolution
Understanding the origin and long-term evolution of the Solar System is a fundamental goal of planetary science and astrophysics.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mars, Meteorites & Asteroids, Phobos, Status Report
Spectro-photometry of Phobos simulants: I. Detectability of Hydrated Minerals and Organic Bands
Previous observations of Phobos and Deimos, the moons of Mars, have improved our understanding of these small bodies. However, their formation and composition remain poorly constrained.
Posted inAstrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Direct Detectability Of Tidally Heated Exomoons By Photometric Orbital Modulation
(Aims) We investigate whether volcanic exomoons can be detected in thermal wavelength light curves due to their phase variability along their orbit. The method we use is based on the […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Water Plumes On Enceladus Caused By Strike–Slip Motion
Over the course of its elliptical orbit, the moon Enceladus is squeezed unevenly by Saturn’s gravitational pull and deforms from a spherical shape into a football shape and back again. […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, Titan
Capillary Processes In Extraterrestrial Contexts
The Earth is no longer the only known celestial body containing one or more liquid phases.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Meteorites & Asteroids, Status Report
Comparative Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy of Dark, Primitive Asteroids: Does Shared Taxonomic Class Indicate Shared Silicate Composition?
Primitive asteroids with low albedos and red slopes in the visible and near infrared (VNIR) are found in both the Main Belt and the Jupiter Trojan clouds.
Posted inAstrogeology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Status Report
Terrestrial Planet Formation From A Ring: Long-term Simulations Accounting For The Giant Planet Instability
The process leading to the formation of the terrestrial planet remains elusive. In a previous publication, we have shown that, if the first generation of planetesimals forms in a ring […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Status Report
From Stars To Diverse Mantles, Melts, Crusts And Atmospheres Of Rocky Exoplanets
This review is focused on describing the logic by which we make predictions of exoplanetary compositions and mineralogies, and how these processes could lead to compositional diversity among rocky exoplanets.