Space Weathering of Asteroids: From Atomic Scales to Asteroid Surfaces - Analysis of Hayabusa2 Samples

Explore the fascinating process of space weathering on airless planetary bodies in this informative lecture. Delve into the continuous modification of soil grains on surfaces like the Moon and asteroids due to their exposure to interplanetary space. Learn how micrometeorite bombardment and solar wind irradiation alter the chemical and microstructural characteristics of soil grains, affecting their spectral properties as measured by remote sensing spacecraft. Understand the critical importance of space weathering studies in deciphering the composition of airless planetary surfaces throughout the solar system. Discover how nanoscale analyses of returned samples, experimental simulations, and spacecraft observations are combined to build a comprehensive model of space weathering. Examine recent research on space weathering of carbonaceous asteroids through experimental analogs and analysis of samples returned by the Hayabusa2 mission. Gain insights into the preparation for upcoming sample return from the OSIRIS-REx mission, furthering our understanding of asteroid surfaces and space weathering processes.