arXiv subjects

Dale P. Cruikshank

Publications and source records attributed to Dale P. Cruikshank.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Revealing Callisto's carbon-rich surface and CO2 atmosphere with JWST

We analyzed spectral cubes of Callisto's leading and trailing hemispheres, collected with the NIRSpec Integrated Field Unit (G395H) on the James Webb Space Telescope. These spatially resolved data show strong 4.25-micron absorption bands resulting from solid-state 12CO2, with the strongest spectral features at low latitudes near the center of its trailing hemisphere, consistent with radiolytic production spurred by magnetospheric plasma interacting with native H2O mixed with carbonaceous compounds. We detected CO2 rovibrational emission lines between 4.2 and 4.3 microns over both hemispheres, confirming the global presence of CO2 gas in Callisto's tenuous atmosphere. These results represent the first detection of CO2 gas over Callisto's trailing side. The distribution of CO2 gas is offset from the subsolar region on either hemisphere, suggesting that sputtering, radiolysis, and geologic processes help sustain Callisto's atmosphere. We detected a 4.38-micron absorption band that likely results from solid-state 13CO2. A prominent 4.57-micron absorption band that might result from CN-bearing organics is present and significantly stronger on Callisto's leading hemisphere, unlike 12CO2, suggesting these two spectral features are spatially anti-associated. The distribution of the 4.57-micron band is more consistent with a native origin and/or accumulation of dust from Jupiter's irregular satellites. Other, more subtle absorption features could result from CH-bearing organics, CO, carbonyl sulfide (OCS), and Na-bearing minerals. These results highlight the need for preparatory laboratory work and improved surface-atmosphere interaction models to better understand carbon chemistry on the icy Galilean moons before the arrival of NASA's Europa Clipper and ESA's JUICE spacecraft.

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arXiv2022

Large-scale cryovolcanic resurfacing on Pluto

The New Horizons spacecraft returned images and compositional data showing that terrains on Pluto span a variety of ages, ranging from relatively ancient, heavily cratered areas to very young surfaces with few-to-no impact craters. One of the regions with very few impact craters is dominated by enormous rises with hummocky flanks. Similar features do not exist anywhere else in the imaged solar system. Here we analyze the geomorphology and composition of the features and conclude this region was resurfaced by cryovolcanic processes, of a type and scale so far unique to Pluto. Creation of this terrain requires multiple eruption sites and a large volume of material (>104 km^3) to form what we propose are multiple, several-km-high domes, some of which merge to form more complex planforms. The existence of these massive features suggests Pluto's interior structure and evolution allows for either enhanced retention of heat or more heat overall than was anticipated before New Horizons, which permitted mobilization of water-ice-rich materials late in Pluto's history.

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arXiv2021

A CO2 cycle on Ariel? Radiolytic production and migration to low latitude cold traps

CO2 ice is present on the trailing hemisphere of Ariel but is mostly absent from its leading hemisphere. The leading/trailing hemispherical asymmetry in the distribution of CO2 ice is consistent with radiolytic production of CO2, formed by charged particle bombardment of H2O ice and carbonaceous material in Ariel's regolith. This longitudinal distribution of CO2 on Ariel was previously characterized using 13 near-infrared reflectance spectra collected at 'low' sub-observer latitudes between 30S to 30N. Here, we investigated the distribution of CO2 ice on Ariel using 18 new spectra: two collected over low sub-observer latitudes, five collected at 'mid' sub-observer latitudes (31 - 44N), and eleven collected over 'high' sub-observer latitudes (45 - 51N). Analysis of these data indicates that CO2 ice is primarily concentrated on Ariel's trailing hemisphere. However, CO2 ice band strengths are diminished in the spectra collected over mid and high sub-observer latitudes. This sub-observer latitudinal trend may result from radiolytic production of CO2 molecules at high latitudes and subsequent migration of this constituent to low latitude cold traps. We detected a subtle feature near 2.13 microns in two spectra collected over high sub-observer latitudes, which might result from a 'forbidden' transition mode of CO2 ice that is substantially stronger in well mixed substrates composed of CO2 and H2O ice, consistent with regolith-mixed CO2 ice grains formed by radiolysis. Additionally, we detected a 2.35-micron feature in some low sub-observer latitude spectra, which might result from CO formed as part of a CO2 radiolytic production cycle.

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arXiv2021

New Investigations of Dark Floored Pits in the Volatile Ice of Sputnik Planitia on Pluto

Sputnik Planitia, Pluto's gigantic ice glacier, hosts numerous scientific mysteries, including the presence of thousands of elongated pit structures. We examine various attributes of these pit structures in New Horizons data sets, revealing their length, aspect ratios, and orientation properties; we also study their interior reflectivities, colors, and compositions, and compare these attributes to some other relevant regions on Pluto. We then comment on origin mechanisms of the pits and also the fate of the missing volatiles represented by the pits on Sputnik Planitia.

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arXiv2020

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 ground-breaking infrared measurements of Solar System objects. In this second of two papers, 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, Neptune) atmospheres. Many of these observations provide critical foundations for future infrared space-based observations.

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arXiv2020

Evidence for sulfur-bearing species on Callisto's leading hemisphere: Sourced from Jupiter's irregular satellites or Io?

We investigated whether sulfur-bearing species are present on the icy Galilean moon Callisto by analyzing eight near-infrared reflectance spectra collected over a wide range of sub-observer longitudes. We measured the band areas and depths of a 4-micron feature in these spectra, which has been attributed to sulfur dioxide (SO2), as well as carbonates, in previously collected datasets of this moon. All eight spectra we collected display the 4-micron band. The four spectra collected over Callisto's leading hemisphere display significantly stronger 4-micron bands compared to the four trailing hemisphere spectra (> 3-sigma difference). We compared the central wavelength position and shape of Callisto's 4-micron band to laboratory spectra of various sulfur-bearing species and carbonates. Our comparison demonstrates that Callisto's 4-micron band has a spectral signature similar to thermally-altered sulfur, as well as a 4.025 micron feature attributed to disulfanide (HS2). Our analysis therefore supports the presence of S-bearing species on Callisto but is not consistent with the presence of SO2. The significantly stronger 4-micron band detected on Callisto's leading hemisphere could result from collisions with H2S-rich dust grains that originate on Jupiter's retrograde irregular satellites or implantation of magnetospheric S ions that originate from volcanic activity on Io. Alternatively, S-bearing species could be native to Callisto and are exposed by dust collisions and larger impacts that drive regolith overturn, primarily on its leading side.

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arXiv2020

Evidence for ammonia-bearing species on the Uranian satellite Ariel supports recent geologic activity

We investigated whether ammonia-rich constituents are present on the surface of the Uranian moon Ariel by analyzing 32 near-infrared reflectance spectra collected over a wide range of sub-observer longitudes and latitudes. We measured the band areas and depths of a 2.2-{\micron} feature in these spectra, which has been attributed to ammonia-bearing species on other icy bodies. Ten spectra display prominent 2.2-{\micron} features with band areas and depths > 2σ. We determined the longitudinal distribution of the 2.2-{\micron} band, finding no statistically meaningful differences between Ariel's leading and trailing hemispheres, indicating that this band is distributed across Ariel's surface. We compared the band centers and shapes of the five Ariel spectra displaying the strongest 2.2-{\micron} bands to laboratory spectra of various ammonia-bearing and ammonium-bearing species, finding that the spectral signatures of the Ariel spectra are best matched by ammonia-hydrates and flash frozen ammonia-water solutions. Our analysis also revealed that four Ariel spectra display 2.24-{\micron} bands (> 2σ band areas and depths), with band centers and shapes that are best matched by ammonia ice. Because ammonia should be efficiently removed over short timescales by ultraviolet photons, cosmic rays, and charged particles trapped in Uranus' magnetosphere, the possible presence of this constituent supports geologic activity in the recent past, such as emplacement of ammonia-rich cryolavas and exposure of ammonia-rich deposits by tectonism, impact events, and mass wasting.

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arXiv2019

Probing the regoliths of the classical Uranian satellites: Are their surfaces mantled by a layer of tiny H2O ice grains?

We investigate whether the surfaces of the classical moons of Uranus are compositionally stratified, with a thin veneer of mostly tiny H2O ice grains (<= 2 micron diameters) mantling a lower layer composed of larger grains of H2O ice, dark material, and CO2 ice (~10 - 50 micron diameters). Near-infrared observations (~1 - 2.5 microns) have determined that the H2O ice-rich surfaces of these moons are overprinted by concentrated deposits of CO2 ice, found almost exclusively on their trailing hemispheres. However, best fit spectral models of longer wavelength datasets (~3 - 5 microns) indicate that the spectral signature of CO2 ice is largely absent, and instead, the exposed surfaces of these moons are composed primarily of tiny H2O ice grains. To investigate possible compositional layering of these moons, we have collected new data using the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) onboard the Spitzer Space Telescope (~3 - 5 microns). Spectral modeling of these new data is consistent with prior analyses, suggesting that the exposed surfaces of the Uranian moons are primarily composed of tiny H2O ice grains. Furthermore, analysis of these new data reveal that the trailing hemispheres of these moons are brighter than their leading hemispheres over the 3 to 5 micron wavelength range, except for Miranda, which displays no hemispherical asymmetries in its IRAC albedos. Our analyses also revealed that the surface of Ariel displays five distinct, regional-scale albedo zones, possibly consistent with the spatial distribution of CO2 ice on this moon. We discuss possible processes that could be enhancing the observed leading/trailing albedo asymmetries exhibited by these moons, as well as processes that could be driving the apparent compositional stratification of their near surfaces.

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arXiv2018

Great Expectations: Plans and Predictions for New Horizons Encounter with Kuiper Belt Object 2014 MU69 ('Ultima Thule')

The New Horizons encounter with the cold classical Kuiper Belt object (KBO) 2014 MU69 (informally named 'Ultima Thule,' hereafter Ultima) on 1 January 2019 will be the first time a spacecraft has ever closely observed one of the free-orbiting small denizens of the Kuiper Belt. Related to but not thought to have formed in the same region of the Solar System as the comets that been explored so far, it will also be the largest, most distant, and most primitive body yet visited by spacecraft. In this letter we begin with a brief overview of cold classical KBOs, of which Ultima is a prime example. We give a short preview of our encounter plans. We note what is currently known about Ultima from earth-based observations. We then review our expectations and capabilities to evaluate Ultima's composition, surface geology, structure, near space environment, small moons, rings, and the search for activity.

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arXiv2016

The Geology of Pluto and Charon Through the Eyes of New Horizons

NASA's New Horizons spacecraft has revealed the complex geology of Pluto and Charon. Pluto's encounter hemisphere shows ongoing surface geological activity centered on a vast basin containing a thick layer of volatile ices that appears to be involved in convection and advection, with a crater retention age no greater than $\approx$10 Ma. Surrounding terrains show active glacial flow, apparent transport and rotation of large buoyant water-ice crustal blocks, and pitting, likely by sublimation erosion and/or collapse. More enigmatic features include tall mounds with central depressions that are conceivably cryovolcanic, and ridges with complex bladed textures. Pluto also has ancient cratered terrains up to ~4 Ga old that are extensionally fractured and extensively mantled and perhaps eroded by glacial or other processes. Charon does not appear to be currently active, but experienced major extensional tectonism and resurfacing (probably cryovolcanic) nearly 4 billion years ago. Impact crater populations on Pluto and Charon are not consistent with the steepest proposed impactor size-frequency distributions proposed for the Kuiper belt.

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arXiv2016

Saturn's icy satellites investigated by Cassini - VIMS. IV. Daytime temperature maps

The spectral position of the 3.6 micron continuum peak measured on Cassini-VIMS I/F spectra is used as a marker to infer the temperature of the regolith particles covering the surfaces of Saturn's icy satellites. This feature is characterizing the crystalline water ice spectrum which is the dominant compositional endmember of the satellites' surfaces. Laboratory measurements indicate that the position of the 3.6 micron peak of pure water ice is temperature-dependent, shifting towards shorter wavelengths when the sample is cooled, from about 3.65 micron at T=123 K to about 3.55 micron at T=88 K. A similar method was already applied to VIMS Saturn's rings mosaics to retrieve ring particles temperature (Filacchione et al., 2014). We report here about the daytime temperature variations observed on the icy satellites as derived from three different VIMS observation types. Temperature maps are built by mining the complete VIMS dataset collected in years 2004-2009 (pre-equinox) and in 2009-2012 (post equinox) by selecting pixels with max 150 km/pixel resolution. VIMS-derived temperature maps allow to identify thermal anomalies across the equatorial lens of Mimas and Tethys.

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arXiv2013

The Discovery of Cometary Activity in Near-Earth Asteroid (3552) Don Quixote

The near-Earth object (NEO) population, which mainly consists of fragments from collisions between asteroids in the main asteroid belt, is thought to include contributions from short-period comets as well. One of the most promising NEO candidates for a cometary origin is near-Earth asteroid (3552) Don Quixote, which has never been reported to show activity. Here we present the discovery of cometary activity in Don Quixote based on thermal-infrared observations made with the Spitzer Space Telescope in its 3.6 and 4.5 μm bands. Our observations clearly show the presence of a coma and a tail in the 4.5 μm but not in the 3.6 μm band, which is consistent with molecular band emission from CO2. Thermal modeling of the combined photometric data on Don Quixote reveals a diameter of 18.4 (-0.4/+0.3) km and an albedo of 0.03 (-0.01/+0.02), which confirms Don Quixote to be the third-largest known NEO. We derive an upper limit on the dust production rate of 1.9 kg s^-1 and derive a CO2 gas production rate of (1.1+-0.1)10^26 molecules s^-1. Spitzer IRS spectroscopic observations indicate the presence of fine-grained silicates, perhaps pyroxene rich, on the surface of Don Quixote. Our discovery suggests that CO2 can be present in near-Earth space over a long time. The presence of CO2 might also explain that Don Quixote's cometary nature remained hidden for nearly three decades.

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arXiv2010

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of Trojan Asteroids: Evidence for Two Compositional Groups

The Trojan asteroids remain quite poorly understood, yet their physical properties provide unique perspective on chemical and dynamical processes that shaped the Solar System. The current study was undertaken to investigate surface compositions of these objects. We present 66 new near-infrared (NIR; 0.7 to 2.5 microns) spectra of 58 Trojans, including members of both the leading and trailing swarms. We also include in the analysis previously published NIR spectra of 13 Trojans (3 of which overlap with the new sample). This data set permits not only a direct search for compositional signatures, but also a search for patterns that may reveal clues to the origin of the Trojans. We do not report any confirmed absorption features in the new spectra. Analysis of the spectral slopes, however, reveals an interesting bimodality among the NIR data. The two spectral groups identified appear to be equally abundant in the leading and trailing swarms. The spectral groups are not a result of family membership; they occur in the background, non-family population. The average albedos of the two groups are the same within uncertainties (0.051\pm0.016 and 0.055\pm0.016). No correlations between spectral slope and any other physical or orbital parameter are detected, with the exception of a possible weak correlation with inclination among the less-red spectral group. Synthesizing these results with previously published properties, we conclude that the two spectral groups represent objects with different intrinsic compositions. We further suggest that while the less-red group originated near Jupiter or in the main asteroid belt, the redder spectral group originated farther out in the Solar System. If correct, the Trojan swarms offer the most readily accessible large reservoir of Kuiper Belt material as well as a unique reservoir for the study of material from the middle part of the solar nebula.

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arXiv2009

Training of Instrumentalists and Development of New Technologies on SOFIA

This white paper is submitted to the Astronomy and Astrophysics 2010 Decadal Survey (Astro2010)1 Committee on the State of the Profession to emphasize the potential of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) to contribute to the training of instrumentalists and observers, and to related technology developments. This potential goes beyond the primary mission of SOFIA, which is to carry out unique, high priority astronomical research. SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP aircraft with a 2.5 meter telescope. It will enable astronomical observations anywhere, any time, and at most wavelengths between 0.3 microns and 1.6 mm not accessible from ground-based observatories. These attributes, accruing from the mobility and flight altitude of SOFIA, guarantee a wealth of scientific return. Its instrument teams (nine in the first generation) and guest investigators will do suborbital astronomy in a shirt-sleeve environment. The project will invest $10M per year in science instrument development over a lifetime of 20 years. This, frequent flight opportunities, and operation that enables rapid changes of science instruments and hands-on in-flight access to the instruments, assure a unique and extensive potential - both for training young instrumentalists and for encouraging and deploying nascent technologies. Novel instruments covering optical, infrared, and submillimeter bands can be developed for and tested on SOFIA by their developers (including apprentices) for their own observations and for those of guest observers, to validate technologies and maximize observational effectiveness.

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arXiv2009

Formation of Jupiter and Conditions for Accretion of the Galilean Satellites

We present an overview of the formation of Jupiter and its associated circumplanetary disk. Jupiter forms via a combination of planetesimal accretion and gravitational accumulation of gas from the surrounding solar nebula. The formation of the circumjovian gaseous disk, or subnebula, straddles the transitional stage between runaway gas accretion and Jupiter's eventual isolation from the solar disk. This isolation, which effectively signals the termination of Jupiter's accretion, takes place as Jupiter opens a deep gas gap in the solar nebula, or the solar nebula gas dissipates. We describe the conditions for accretion of the Galilean satellites, including the timescales for their formation, and mechanisms for their survival, all within the context of key constraints for satellite formation models. The environment in which the regular satellites form is tied to the timescale for circumplanetary disk dispersal, which depends on the nature and persistence of turbulence. In the case that subnebula turbulence decays as gas inflow wanes, we present a novel mechanism for satellite survival involving gap opening by the largest satellites. On the other hand, assuming that sustained turbulence drives subnebula evolution on a short timescale compared to the satellite formation timescale, we review a model that emphasizes collisional processes to explain satellite observations. We briefly discuss the mechanisms by which solids may be delivered to the circumplanetary disk. However, we expect that planetesimal delivery mechanisms likely provide the bulk of material for satellite accretion.

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arXiv2002

Detection of Two Binary Trans-Neptunian Objects, 1997 CQ29 and 2000 CF105, with the Hubble Space Telescope

Images of the trans-Neptunian objects 1997 CQ29 and 2000 CF105 obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope's WFPC2 camera show them to be binary. The two components of 1997 CQ29 were separated in our images by 0.20 arcsec in November 2001 and by 0.33 arcsec in June/July 2002. The corresponding minimum physical distances are 6100 km and 10,200 km. The companion to 2000 CF105 was 0.78 arcsec from the primary, at least 23,400 km. Six other objects in the trans-Neptunian region, including Pluto and its moon Charon, are known to be binaries; 1997 CQ29 and 2000 CF105 are the seventh and eighth known pair. Binarity appears to be a not-uncommon characteristic in this region of the solar system, with detectable companions present in 4% of the objects we have examined.

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