* Astronomy

Title: Spectral alteration of the Meteorite Epinal (H5) induced by heavy ion irradiation: a simulation of space weathering effects on near-Earth asteroids
Author: G. Strazzulla, E. Dotto, R. Binzel, R. Brunetto, M.A. Barucci, A. Blanco, V. Orofino

We present results obtained for Epinal (H5), an ordinary chondrite meteorite, irradiated with 60 keV Ar++ ions, simulating solar wind heavy particle irradiation. Bidirectional reflectance spectra (0.3-2.67 m) measured after irradiating Epinal samples with different ion fluences exhibit a progressive reddening that is similar to the spread of spectra observed for S-type near-Earth asteroids. The timescales for inducing the same effects in space as those obtained in laboratory are estimated to be 104-106 yr. These results suggest irradiation by heavy ions may be a very efficient weathering process in near-Earth space.

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