New data: The asteroid Psyche is rusting
Using new ultraviolet data from the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers now believe that the high density asteroid Psyche, thought to be largely metallic, is rusting because of interaction with the solar wind.
Becker observed the asteroid at two specific points in its rotation to view both sides of Psyche completely and delineate as much as possible from observing the surface at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths.
“We were able to identify for the first time on any asteroid what we think are iron oxide ultraviolet absorption bands,” she said. “This is an indication that oxidation is happening on the asteroid, which could be a result of the solar wind hitting the surface.”
There will be a U.S. probe to Psyche launched in ’22.
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Using new ultraviolet data from the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers now believe that the high density asteroid Psyche, thought to be largely metallic, is rusting because of interaction with the solar wind.
Becker observed the asteroid at two specific points in its rotation to view both sides of Psyche completely and delineate as much as possible from observing the surface at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths.
“We were able to identify for the first time on any asteroid what we think are iron oxide ultraviolet absorption bands,” she said. “This is an indication that oxidation is happening on the asteroid, which could be a result of the solar wind hitting the surface.”
There will be a U.S. probe to Psyche launched in ’22.
I cannot thank the numerous people who so generously donated or subscribed to Behind the Black during this fund drive. The response was remarkable, and reflected the steady growth and popularity of the work I have been doing here for the past ten-plus years.
Thank you again!
Though the find-raising campaign is officially over, and I am no longer plastering the main page with requests for help, if you like what you have read you can still contribute, by giving either a one-time contribution or a regular subscription, as outlined in the tip jar below. Your support will allow me to continue covering science and culture as I have for the past twenty years, independent and free from any outside influence.
Regular readers can support Behind The Black with a contribution via paypal:
If Paypal doesn't work for you, you can support Behind The Black directly by sending your donation by check, payable to Robert Zimmerman, to
Behind The Black
c/o Robert Zimmerman
P.O.Box 1262
Cortaro, AZ 85652
For rust (iron oxide) to form, there must be a source of oxygen. Have they done the mass balance calculation?
For iron oxides see “Swaddle TW, Oltmann P (1980) Kinetics of the magnetite-maghemite-hematite transformation, with special reference to hydrothermal systems. Can J Chem 17(58):1763–1772”
Asteroid is rusting?
Must be the extra moisture because of Global Climate Warm-freezing Change.
(/sarc)
Phill O noted: “For rust (iron oxide) to form, there must be a source of oxygen.”
An early job in my career was at a laboratory that built mass spectrometers to measure the content of the solar wind. One thing that they found was a surprising amount of oxygen ions in the solar wind. Another possible source could be water that may outgas from within the asteroid.
Edward, the article by Swaddle indicated the need for water for certain iron oxides (which had been identified at that time) to form. We did not consider oxygen from the solar wind, in that article.
Thanks!