Planetary and exoplanetary Lunch Seminar (PALS) for 2024-02-19

Series: Planetary and exoplanetary Lunch Seminar (PALS)
Date: Monday 19-Feb-2024
Time: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Location: ATL 1250 and Zoom (contact host Jacob Kloos for link)
Speaker: Cosmo Sikes (UMD)
Title: Remote Sensing and Experimental Investigation of the Spinel-Rich Sinus Aestuum Pyroclastic Deposits

Abstract: The Sinus Aestuum (SA) Dark Mantle Deposit (DMD) is a pyroclastic deposit on the nearside of the moon which displays spectral signatures observed nowhere else on the lunar surface. Although these signatures suggest high abundances of the mineral spinel to be present within the DMD, the composition and formational mechanism of the SA spinel is largely uncertain. In this talk, I discuss various remote sensing and experimental efforts to determine the origin of this unique deposit. Remote sensing is used to map the appearance of spinel within the region in order to investigate notable geologic features and to determine the true extent of the SA DMD. Although comparison between the spectral properties of spinels observed at SA and terrestrial spinels could help determine a composition and origin, terrestrial spectral analogues of lunar spinel compositions are extremely limited. I discuss mechanisms of lunar spinel formation, constrained through various experimental methods, as well as our efforts to produce spinel spectral analogues consistent with lunar compositions.

If you have any questions, contact the PALS hosts: Jacob Kloos (small bodies) and Matt Nixon (exoplanets).

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:

Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING

Directions and information about parking can be found here.

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