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PI : Hope Ishii

Title : Electron beam studies of space weathered surfaces of asteroid Itokawa regolith grains

Abstract

Itokawa regolith grains are a unique sample for the study of space weathering processes on low- gravity, airless bodies. We propose transmission electron microscopy studies of space-weathered rims on silicate minerals in Itokawa grains with direct comparison to controlled laboratory-created standards and to lunar regolith, which experienced space weathering in higher gravity. We will apply microstructural and spectroscopic analyses as well as nano-scale elemental mapping in order to explore direct detection of implanted solar wind, solid state bonding environments, elemental composition profiles, substrate-rim interfaces, and stoichiometry relationship to nanocrystallinity in space-weathered rims. The results will better inform our understanding of asteroidal space weathering.

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