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PI : Takaaki Noguchi

Title : Asteroid Itokawa and LL chondrites: Oxygen Isotopes and X-ray Absorption Mapping.

Abstract

Using a high spatial (~tens of nm) resolution X-ray nanoprobe we will be able to map the variation in Fe oxidation state across Itokawa grains and relate this to metallization associated with potential space weathering in the grains, which we will also study by microRaman and TEM. SHRIMP analyses will allow a larger range of data about the oxygen isotope compositions of the grains to be gained and any effects associated with space weathering. Independent of the search for and characterization of space weathering in the grains, we will conduct a parallel study into the oxygen isotope compositions of LL chondrites. Together with the mineralogical data, this will help distinguish between type 5 and type 6, or a currently unidentified petrographic type, and extend the currently relatively small number of oxygen isotopic analyses of Itokawa grains.

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