Search Publications
Phobos as a D-type Captured Asteroid, Spectral Modeling from 0.25 to 4.0 µm
Pajola, M.; Barbieri, C.; Bertini, I. +6 more
This paper describes the spectral modeling of the surface of Phobos in the wavelength range between 0.25 and 4.0 µm. We use complementary data to cover this spectral range: the OSIRIS (Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System on board the ESA Rosetta spacecraft) reflectance spectrum that Pajola et al. merged with the VSK-KR…
Predictions of Ion Production Rates and Ion Number Densities within the Diamagnetic Cavity of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko at Perihelion
Vigren, E.; Galand, M.
We present a one-dimensional ion chemistry model of the diamagnetic cavity of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the target comet for the ESA Rosetta mission. We solve the continuity equations for ionospheric species and predict number densities of electrons and selected ions considering only gas-phase reactions. We apply the model to the subsolar d…
Gas-phase Sequestration of Noble Gases in the Protosolar Nebula: Possible Consequences on the Outer Solar System Composition
Mousis, O.; Ali-Dib, M.; Pauzat, F. +2 more
We address the problem of the sequestration of Ar, Kr, and Xe by H_3^+ in the gas-phase conditions encountered during the cooling of protoplanetary disks when H_3^+ is competing with other species present in the same environment. Using high-level ab initio simulations, we try to quantify other sequestration possibilities involving He, H_5^+, H
Is the Large Crater on the Asteroid (2867) Steins Really an Impact Crater?
Burchell, M. J.; Price, M. C.; Morris, A. J. W.
The large crater on the asteroid (2867) Steins attracted much attention when it was first observed by the Rosetta spacecraft in 2008. Initially, it was widely thought to be unusually large compared to the size of the asteroid. It was quickly realized that this was not the case and there are other examples of similar (or larger) craters on small bo…
The Onset of Differentiation and Internal Evolution: The Case of 21 Lutetia
Capaccioni, F.; De Sanctis, M. C.; Turrini, D. +2 more
Asteroid 21 Lutetia, seen by the Rosetta spacecraft, plays a crucial role in the reconstruction of primordial phases of planetary objects. Its high bulk density and its primitive chondritic crust suggest that Lutetia could be partially differentiated. We developed a numerical code, also used for studying the geophysical history of Vesta, to explor…