Nanoscale characterization of space weathering in lunar samples
Abstract Nanoscale Fourier transform infrared (Nano-FTIR) imaging and spectroscopy correlated with photoluminescence measurements of lunar Apollo samples with different surface radiation exposure histories reveal distinct physical and chemical differences associated with space weathering effects. An...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83392-6 |
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| author | A. M. Grice P. C. Stancil M. Ghafariasl S. Singh S. Gamage M. J. Schaible Y. Abate K. Lang T. M. Orlando |
| author_facet | A. M. Grice P. C. Stancil M. Ghafariasl S. Singh S. Gamage M. J. Schaible Y. Abate K. Lang T. M. Orlando |
| author_sort | A. M. Grice |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Nanoscale Fourier transform infrared (Nano-FTIR) imaging and spectroscopy correlated with photoluminescence measurements of lunar Apollo samples with different surface radiation exposure histories reveal distinct physical and chemical differences associated with space weathering effects. Analysis of two sample fragments: an ilmenite basalt (12016) and an impact melt breccia (15445) show evidence of intrinsic or delivered Nd3+ and an amorphous silica glass component on exterior surfaces, whereas intrinsic Cr3+ and/or trapped electron states are limited to interior surfaces. Spatially localized 1050 cm−1/935 cm−1 band ratios in Nano-FTIR hyperspectral maps may further reflect impact-induced shock nanostructures, while shifts in silicate band positions indicate accumulated radiation damage at the nanoscale from prolonged space weathering due to micrometeorites, solar wind, energetic x-rays and cosmic ray bombardment. Our observations demonstrate that space weathering alterations of the surface of lunar samples at the nanoscale may provide a mechanism to distinguish lunar samples of variable surface exposure age. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cd2d7b060a7a466ca6d0f9216577512a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-cd2d7b060a7a466ca6d0f9216577512a2025-01-05T12:19:29ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-01-011511910.1038/s41598-024-83392-6Nanoscale characterization of space weathering in lunar samplesA. M. Grice0P. C. Stancil1M. Ghafariasl2S. Singh3S. Gamage4M. J. Schaible5Y. Abate6K. Lang7T. M. Orlando8Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of GeorgiaDepartment of Physics and Astronomy, University of GeorgiaDepartment of Physics and Astronomy, University of GeorgiaDepartment of Physics and Astronomy, University of GeorgiaDepartment of Physics and Astronomy, University of GeorgiaSchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of TechnologyDepartment of Physics and Astronomy, University of GeorgiaSchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of TechnologySchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of TechnologyAbstract Nanoscale Fourier transform infrared (Nano-FTIR) imaging and spectroscopy correlated with photoluminescence measurements of lunar Apollo samples with different surface radiation exposure histories reveal distinct physical and chemical differences associated with space weathering effects. Analysis of two sample fragments: an ilmenite basalt (12016) and an impact melt breccia (15445) show evidence of intrinsic or delivered Nd3+ and an amorphous silica glass component on exterior surfaces, whereas intrinsic Cr3+ and/or trapped electron states are limited to interior surfaces. Spatially localized 1050 cm−1/935 cm−1 band ratios in Nano-FTIR hyperspectral maps may further reflect impact-induced shock nanostructures, while shifts in silicate band positions indicate accumulated radiation damage at the nanoscale from prolonged space weathering due to micrometeorites, solar wind, energetic x-rays and cosmic ray bombardment. Our observations demonstrate that space weathering alterations of the surface of lunar samples at the nanoscale may provide a mechanism to distinguish lunar samples of variable surface exposure age.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83392-6Lunar regolithSpace weatheringNear-field spectroscopy |
| spellingShingle | A. M. Grice P. C. Stancil M. Ghafariasl S. Singh S. Gamage M. J. Schaible Y. Abate K. Lang T. M. Orlando Nanoscale characterization of space weathering in lunar samples Scientific Reports Lunar regolith Space weathering Near-field spectroscopy |
| title | Nanoscale characterization of space weathering in lunar samples |
| title_full | Nanoscale characterization of space weathering in lunar samples |
| title_fullStr | Nanoscale characterization of space weathering in lunar samples |
| title_full_unstemmed | Nanoscale characterization of space weathering in lunar samples |
| title_short | Nanoscale characterization of space weathering in lunar samples |
| title_sort | nanoscale characterization of space weathering in lunar samples |
| topic | Lunar regolith Space weathering Near-field spectroscopy |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83392-6 |
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