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Rapid heating rates define the volatile emission and regolith composition of (3200) Phaethon

Author

Listed:
  • Martin D. Suttle

    (The Open University, Walton Hall
    Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road)

  • Lorenz. F. Olbrich

    (University of Oxford, Parks Road)

  • Charlotte. L. Bays

    (Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road
    Royal Holloway University of London)

  • Liza Riches

    (The Open University, Walton Hall)

Abstract

Asteroid (3200) Phaethon experiences extreme solar radiant heating ( ~ 750 °C) during perihelion (0.14 au), leading to comet-like activity. The regolith composition and mechanism of volatile emission are unknown but key to understanding JAXA’s DESTINY+ mission data (fly-by in 2029) and the fate of near-Sun asteroids more generally. By subjecting CM chondrite fragments to fast, open system, cyclic heating (2-20 °C/min), simulating conditions on Phaethon we demonstrate that rapid heating rates combine with the low permeability, resulting in reactions between volatile gases and decomposing minerals. The retention of S-bearing gas limits the thermal decomposition of Fe-sulphides, allowing these minerals to survive repeated heating cycles. Slow escape of S-bearing gases provides a mechanism for repeated gas release from a thermally processed surface and, therefore the comet-like activity without requiring surface renewal to expose fresh material each perihelion cycle. We predict Phaethon regolith is composed of olivine, Fe-sulphides, Ca-sulphates and hematite.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin D. Suttle & Lorenz. F. Olbrich & Charlotte. L. Bays & Liza Riches, 2024. "Rapid heating rates define the volatile emission and regolith composition of (3200) Phaethon," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-51054-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51054-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Toshihiro Yoshimura & Yoshinori Takano & Hiroshi Naraoka & Toshiki Koga & Daisuke Araoka & Nanako O. Ogawa & Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin & Norbert Hertkorn & Yasuhiro Oba & Jason P. Dworkin & José C. Apo, 2023. "Chemical evolution of primordial salts and organic sulfur molecules in the asteroid 162173 Ryugu," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
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