Initial results from the Mini-TES experiment in Gusev crater from the Spirit rover
The Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) on Spirit has studied the mineralogy and thermophysical properties at Gusev crater. Undisturbed soil spectra show evidence for minor carbonates and bound water. Rocks are olivine-rich basalts with varying degrees of dust and other coatings. Dark-toned soils observed on disturbed surfaces may be derived from rocks and have derived mineralogy (??5 to 10%) of 45% pyroxene (20% Ca-rich pyroxene and 25% pigeonite), 40% sodic to intermediate plagioclase, and 15% olivine (forsterite 45% ??5 to 10). Two spectrally distinct coatings are observed on rocks, a possible indicator of the interaction of water, rock, and airfall dust. Diurnal temperature data indicate particle sizes from 40 to 80 ??m in hollows to ???0.5 to 3 mm in soils.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2004 |
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Title | Initial results from the Mini-TES experiment in Gusev crater from the Spirit rover |
DOI | 10.1126/science.1100564 |
Authors | P. R. Christensen, S. W. Ruff, R.L. Fergason, A.T. Knudson, S. Anwar, R. E. Arvidson, J. L. Bandfield, D.L. Blaney, C. Budney, W. M. Calvin, T.D. Glotch, M.P. Golombek, N. Gorelick, T.G. Graff, V.E. Hamilton, A. Hayes, J. R. Johnson, H.Y. McSween, G.L. Mehall, L.K. Mehall, J.E. Moersch, R.V. Morris, A.D. Rogers, M. D. Smith, S. W. Squyres, M.J. Wolff, M.B. Wyatt |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Science |
Index ID | 70026736 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |