A search for ethane on Pluto and Triton

We present here a search for solid ethane, C₂H₆, on the surfaces of Pluto and Triton, based on near-infrared spectral observations in the H and K bands (1.4-2.45 μm) using the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT). We model each surface using a radiative transfer model based on Hapke theory (Hapke, B. [1993]. Theory of Reflectance and Emittance Spectroscopy. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK) with three basic models: without ethane, with pure ethane, and with ethane diluted in nitrogen. On Pluto we detect weak features near 2.27, 2.405, 2.457, and 2.461 μm that match the strongest features of pure ethane. An additional feature seen at 2.317 μm is shifted to longer wavelengths than ethane by at least 0.002 μm. The strength of the features seen in the models suggests that pure ethane is limited to no more than a few percent of the surface of Pluto. On Triton, features in the H band could potentially be explained by ethane diluted in N₂, however, the lack of corresponding features in the K band makes this unlikely (also noted by Quirico et al. (Quirico, E., Doute, S., Schmitt, B., de Bergh, C., Cruikshank, D.P., Owen, T.C., Geballe, T.R., Roush, T.L. [1999]. Icarus 139, 159-178)). While Cruikshank et al. (Cruikshank, D.P., Mason, R.E., Dalle Ore, C.M., Bernstein, M.P., Quirico, E., Mastrapa, R.M., Emery, J.P., Owen, T.C. [2006]. Bull. Am. Astron. Soc. 38, 518) find that the 2.406-μm feature on Triton could not be completely due to ¹³CO, our models show that it could not be accounted for entirely by ethane either. The multiple origin of this feature complicates constraints on the contribution of ethane for both bodies.     

Formation of radical species in photolyzed CH4:N2 ices

We report photochemical studies of thin cryogenic ice films composed of N₂, CH₄ and CO in ratios analogous to those on the surfaces of Neptune’s largest satellite, Triton, and on Pluto. Experiments were performed using a hydrogen discharge lamp, which provides an intense source of ultraviolet light to simulate the sunlight-induced photochemistry on these icy bodies. Characterization via infrared spectroscopy showed that C₂H₆ and C₂H₂, and HCO are formed by the dissociation of CH₄ into H, CH₂ and CH₃ and the subsequent reaction of these radicals within the ice. Other radical species, such as C₂, , CN, and CNN, are observed in the visible and ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. These species imply a rich chemistry based on formation of radicals from methane and their subsequent reaction with the N₂ matrix. We discuss the implications of the formation of these radicals for the chemical evolution of Triton and Pluto. Ultimately, this work suggests that , CN, HCO, and CNN may be found in significant quantities on the surfaces of Triton and Pluto and that new observations of these objects in the appropriate wavelength regions are warranted.     

Near-infrared spectral monitoring of Triton with IRTF/SpeX II: Spatial distribution and evolution of ices

This report arises from an ongoing program to monitor Neptune’s largest moon Triton spectroscopically in the 0.8 to 2.4 μm range using IRTF/SpeX. Our objective is to search for changes on Triton’s surface as witnessed by changes in the infrared absorption bands of its surface ices N₂,CH₄,H₂O, CO, and CO₂. We have recorded infrared spectra of Triton on 53 nights over the ten apparitions from 2000 to 2009. The data generally confirm our previously reported diurnal spectral variations of the ice absorption bands (Grundy and Young, 2004). Nitrogen ice shows a large amplitude variation, with much stronger absorption on Triton’s Neptune-facing hemisphere. We present evidence for seasonal evolution of Triton’s N₂ ice: the 2.15 μm absorption band appears to be diminishing, especially on the Neptune-facing hemisphere. Although it is mostly dissolved in N₂ ice, Triton’s CH₄ ice shows a very different longitudinal variation from the N₂ ice, challenging assumptions of how the two ices behave. Unlike Triton’s CH₄ ice, the CO ice does exhibit longitudinal variation very similar to the N₂ ice, implying that CO and N₂ condense and sublimate together, maintaining a consistent mixing ratio. Absorptions by H₂O and CO₂ ices show negligible variation as Triton rotates, implying very uniform and/or high latitude spatial distributions for those two non-volatile ices.     

Chemical and physical properties of the variegated Pluto and Charon surfaces

We present new photometric and spectroscopic observations of the Pluto–Charon system carried out at the VLT-ESO (Chile) with two 8-m telescopes equipped with the FORS2, ISAAC and SINFONI instruments. The spectra were obtained in the 0.6–2.45 μm range with a spectral resolution from 300 to 1500. The SINFONI data were obtained using adaptive optics, allowing a complete separation of the two bodies. We derive both objects’ magnitudes in the near infrared and convert them into albedo values. These first near infrared photometric data allow to adjust the different parts of Pluto’s spectrum, provided by the three instruments. We run spectral models in order to give chemical and physical constraints on the surface of Pluto and Charon. We discuss the dilution properties of the methane ice and its implications on Pluto’s surface. The heterogeneities of the pure and diluted methane ice on Pluto’s surface is also investigated. The high signal-to-noise level of the data and our analyses may support the presence of ethane ice on the surface of Pluto, which is one of the main products of the methane irradiation and photolysis. The analyses of the spectra of Charon suggest that the water ice is almost completely in its crystalline form and that the ammonia compound is hydrated on the surface of this satellite.     

Reactions of nitriles in ices relevant to Titan, comets, and the interstellar medium: formation of cyanate ion, ketenimines, and isonitriles

Motivated by detections of nitriles in Titan's atmosphere, cometary comae, and the interstellar medium, we report laboratory investigations of the low-temperature chemistry of acetonitrile, propionitrile, acrylonitrile, cyanoacetylene, and cyanogen (CH₃CN, CH₃CH₂CN, CH₂CHCN, HCCCN, and NCCN, respectively). A few experiments were also done on isobutyronitrile and trimethylacetonitrile ((CH₃)₂CHCN and (CH₃)₃CCN, respectively). Trends were sought, and found, in the photo- and radiation chemical products of these molecules at 12-25 K. In the absence of water, all of these molecules isomerized to isonitriles, and CH₃CN, CH₃CH₂CN, and (CH₃)₂CHCN also formed ketenimines. In the presence of H₂O, no isonitriles were detected but rather the cyanate ion (OCN⁻) was seen in all cases. Although isonitriles, ketenimines, and OCN⁻ were the main focus of our work, we also describe cases of hydrogen loss, to make smaller nitriles, and hydrogen addition (reduction), to make larger nitriles. HCN formation also was seen in most experiments. The results are presented in terms of nitrile ice chemistry on Titan, in cometary ice, and in the interstellar medium. Possible connections to prebiotic chemistry are briefly discussed.     

A coupled microphysical/radiative transfer model of albedo and emissivity of planetary surfaces covered by volatile ices

A new model of albedo and emissivity of planetary surfaces covered by volatile ices in the form of porous slab-like deposits is described. In the model, a radiative transfer model is coupled with a microphysical model in order to link changes in albedo and emissivity to changes in porosity caused by ice metamorphism. Preliminary results for Triton, Pluto, and Io are presented (the martian CO₂ caps will be the subject of a separate publication). The coupled model will aid in the interpretation of ground-based and spacecraft observations and should lead to advances in surface and atmospheric modeling.     

Ion irradiation of crystalline H2O-ice: Effect on the 1.65-μm band

We have found that 0.8 MeV proton irradiation of crystalline H₂O-ice results in temperature dependent amorphization. The H₂O-ice's phase was determined using the near infrared spectrum from 1.0 μm (10,000 cm⁻¹) to 2.5 μm (4000 cm⁻¹). In crystalline H₂O-ice, the 1.65-μm (6061 cm⁻¹) band is strong while it is nearly absent in the amorphous spectrum [Schmitt, B., Quirico, E., Trotta, F., Grundy, W.M., 1998. In: Schmitt, B., de Bergh, C., Festou, M. (Eds.), Solar System Ices. Kluwer Academic, Norwell, MA, 1998, pp. 199-240]. In this experiment, at low temperatures (9, 25, and 40 K), irradiation of crystalline H₂O-ice produced the amorphous H₂O-ice's spectrum. However, at 50 K, some crystalline absorptions persisted after irradiation and at 70 and 100 K the crystalline spectrum showed only slight changes after irradiation. Our results agree with previous H₂O-ice irradiation studies examining the crystalline peaks near 44 and 62 μm by Moore and Hudson [Moore, M.H., Hudson, R.L., 1992. Astrophys. J. 401, 353-360] and near 3.07 μm by Strazzulla et al. [Strazzulla, G., Baratta, G.A., Leto, G., Foti, G., 1992. Europhys. Lett. 18, 517-522] and by Leto and Baratta [Leto, G., Baratta, G.A., 2003. Astron. Astrophys. 397, 7-13]. We present a method of measuring band areas to quantify the phase and radiation dose of icy Solar System surfaces.     

CO2 production by ion irradiation of H2O ice on top of carbonaceous materials and its relevance to the Galilean satellites

In this work we report on new experiments of ion irradiation of water ice deposited on top of solid carbonaceous materials to study the production of CO₂ at the interface ice/refractory material and discuss the possibility that this mechanism accounts for the quantity of CO₂ ice detected on the surfaces of the Galilean satellites. The used experimental technique has been in situ infrared spectroscopy. We have irradiated thin films of H₂O frost on carbonaceous layers with 200 keV of He⁺ and Ar⁺, and 30 keV of He⁺ at 16 and 80 K. The used carbonaceous layers have been asphaltite, a natural bitumen, and solid organic residues obtained by irradiation of frozen benzene. In both cases the results show that CO₂ is produced very efficiently after irradiation obtaining a maximum quantity of the order of . These results are, also quantitatively similar, to those recently obtained for water ice deposited on amorphous carbon films [Mennella, V., Palumbo, M.E., Baratta, G.A., 2004. Formation of CO and CO₂ molecules by ion irradiation of water ice covered hydrogenated carbon grains. Astrophys. J. 615, 1073-1080]. Thus we suggest that, whatever is the carbonaceous residue, CO₂ will be produced efficiently by the studied process. These results have interest in the context of the surfaces of the icy Galilean satellites in which CO₂ has been detected mainly trapped in the non-ice material, not in the pure water ice. We suggest that radiolysis of mixtures of water ice and refractory carbonaceous materials is the primary formation mechanism responsible for the CO₂ formation on the surfaces of the Galilean satellites.     

Release of N2, CH4, CO2, and H2O from surface ices on Enceladus

We vapor deposit at 20 K a mixture of gases with the specific Enceladus plume composition measured in situ by the Cassini INMS [Waite, J.H., Combi, M.R., Ip, W.H., Cravens, T.E., McNutt, R.L., Kasprzak, W., Yelle, R., Luhmann, J., Niemann, H., Gell, D., Magee, B., Fletcher, G., Lunine, J., Tseng, W.L., 2006. Science 311, 1419-1422] to form a mixed molecular ice. As the sample is slowly warmed, we monitor the escaping gas quantity and composition with a mass spectrometer. Pioneering studies [Schmitt, B., Klinger, J., 1987. Different trapping mechanisms of gases by water ice and their relevance for comet nuclei. In: Rolfe, E.J., Battrick, B. (Eds.), Diversity and Similarity of Comets. SP-278. ESA, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, pp. 613-619; Bar-Nun, A., Kleinfeld, I., Kochavi, E., 1988. Phys. Rev. B 38, 7749-7754; Bar-Nun, A., Kleinfeld, I., 1989. Icarus 80, 243-253] have shown that significant quantities of volatile gases can be trapped in a water ice matrix well above the temperature at which the pure volatile ice would sublime. For our Enceladus ice mixture, a composition of escaping gases similar to that detected by Cassini in the Enceladus plume can be generated by the sublimation of the H₂O:CO₂:CH₄:N₂ mixture at temperatures between 135 and 155 K, comparable to the high temperatures inferred from the CIRS measurements [Spencer, J.R., Pearl, J.C., Segura, M., Flasar, F.M., Mamoutkine, A., Romani, P., Buratti, B.J., Hendrix, A.R., Spilker, L.J., Lopes, R.M.C., 2006. Science 311, 1401-1405] of the Enceladus “tiger stripes.” This suggests that the gas escape phenomena that we measure in our experiments are an important process contributing to the gases emitted from Enceladus. A similar experiment for ice deposited at 70 K shows that both the processes of volatile trapping and release are temperature dependent over the temperature range relevant to Enceladus.     

Distributions of H2O and CO2 ices on Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon from IRTF/SpeX observations

We present 0.8-2.4 μm spectral observations of uranian satellites, obtained at IRTF/SpeX on 17 nights during 2001-2005. The spectra reveal for the first time the presence of CO₂ ice on the surfaces of Umbriel and Titania, by means of 3 narrow absorption bands near 2 μm. Several additional, weaker CO₂ ice absorptions have also been detected. No CO₂ absorption is seen in Oberon spectra, and the strengths of the CO₂ ice bands decline with planetocentric distance from Ariel through Titania. We use the CO₂ absorptions to map the longitudinal distribution of CO₂ ice on Ariel, Umbriel, and Titania, showing that it is most abundant on their trailing hemispheres. We also examine H₂O ice absorptions in the spectra, finding deeper H₂O bands on the leading hemispheres of Ariel, Umbriel, and Titania, but the opposite pattern on Oberon. Potential mechanisms to produce the observed longitudinal and planetocentric distributions of the two ices are considered.     

CH4/N2/H2 spark hydrophilic tholins: A systematic approach to the characterization of tholins

Tholins are complex organic materials produced by irradiation of several carbon and nitrogen rich atmospheres. They could have played a key role in the origin of life on Earth because their ability to release important bioorganics, which are nowadays present in proteins, nucleic-acid bases and other important biostructures. Usually, the yield of these compounds is higher after acid hydrolysis, however little is known about the structure and chemical composition of the tholins. In this work, we propose the use of different spectroscopic and separation techniques, which are not usually applied in this field, in order to obtain complete information about the tholin structure and behavior. Two different simulation experiments of prebiotic synthesis were carried out in CH₄/N₂/H₂ atmosphere out from spark discharge activation of aqueous aerosols and liquid water, respectively. In both cases, a hydrophilic tholin and a hydrophobic tholin were obtained. Herein, we report the application of this methodology to our hydrophilic tholins and we review, briefly, some astrobiological aspects related to these complex substances.     

Hydrogen peroxide dimers and the production of O2 in icy satellite surfaces

Oxygen is seen in the reflectance spectra of the icy surfaces of Ganymede and Europa via absorption bands at 627 and 573 nm. Here we show that the trapped O₂ associated with these spectral features can be produced via radiation-induced decomposition of hydrogen peroxide dimers contained in hydrogen peroxide inclusions in these icy satellite surfaces.     

Carbon dioxide segregation in 1:4 and 1:9 CO2:H2O ices

The mid-infrared spectra of mixed vapor deposited ices of CO₂ and H₂O were studied as a function of both deposition temperature and warming from 15 to 100 K. The spectra of ices deposited at 15 K show marked changes on warming beginning at 60 K. These changes are consistent with CO₂ segregating within the ice matrix into pure CO₂ domains. Ices deposited at 60 and 70 K show a greater degree of segregation, as high as 90% for 1:4 CO₂:H₂O ice mixtures deposited at 70 K. As the ice is warmed above 80 K, preferential sublimation of the segregated CO₂ is observed. The kinetics of the segregation process is also examined. The segregation of the CO₂ as the ice is warmed corresponds to temperatures at which the structure of the water ice matrix changes from the high density amorphous phase to the low density amorphous phase. We show how these microstructural changes in the ice have a profound effect on the photochemistry induced by ultraviolet irradiation. These experimental results provide a framework in which observations of CO₂ on the icy bodies of the outer Solar System can be considered.     

CH4/N2/H2-spark hydrophobic tholins: A systematic approach to the characterisation of tholins. Part II

Two different simulation experiments of prebiotic synthesis were carried out in a CH₄/N₂/H₂ atmosphere with spark discharge activation of aqueous aerosols and liquid water. In both cases, a hydrophilic tholin and a hydrophobic tholin were obtained. The methodology developed by our group for the characterisation of hydrophilic tholins [Ruiz-Bermejo, M., Menor-Salván, C., Mateo-Martí, E., Osuna-Esteban, S., Martín-Gago, J.A., Veintemillas-Verdaguer, S., 2008. Icarus 198, 232-241] was used in order to study the hydrophobic tholins. The gas precursors of the tholins from mixtures containing CH₄, with and without H₂, were studied. We propose that the formation of the hydrophobic tholins involves the formation of unsaturated oligomeric hydrocarbon chains from vinyl and acetylene monomers, as well as allene derivatives formed in the gas phase after the incorporation of polar groups into these hydrocarbon chains. Finally, we compare our results concerning hydrophobic tholins with HCN polymers, since it is generally suggested that the polymeric material formed in spark experiments are possible oligomers of HCN, and that Titan’s tholins could be poly-HCN.     

H-implantation in SO2 and CO2 ices

Ices in the solar system are observed on the surface of planets, satellites, comets and asteroids where they are continuously subordinate at particle fluxes (cosmic ions, solar wind and charged particles caught in the magnetosphere of the planets) that deeply modify their physical and structural properties. Each incoming ion destroys molecular bonds producing fragments that, by recombination, form new molecules also different from the original ones. Moreover, if the incoming ion is reactive (H⁺, Oⁿ⁺, Sⁿ⁺, etc.), it can concur to the formation of new molecules.Those effects can be studied by laboratory experiments where, with some limitation, it is possible to reproduce the astrophysical environments of planetary ices.In this work, we describe some experiments of 15-100 keV H⁺ and He⁺ implantation in pure sulfur dioxide (SO₂) at 16 and 80 K and carbon dioxide (CO₂) at 16 K ices aimed to search for the formation of new molecules. Among other results we confirm that carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) is formed after H-implantation in CO₂, vice versa H-implantation in SO₂ at both temperatures does not produce measurable quantity of sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃). The results are discussed in the light of their relevance to the chemistry of some solar system objects, particularly of Io, the innermost of Jupiter's Galilean satellites, that exhibits a surface very rich in frost SO₂ and it is continuously bombarded with H⁺ ions caught in Jupiter's magnetosphere.     

Evidence of N2-ice on the surface of the icy dwarf Planet 136472 (2005 FY9)

We present high signal precision optical reflectance spectra of 2005 FY9 taken with the Red Channel Spectrograph and the 6.5-m MMT telescope on 2006 March 4 UT (5000-9500 Å; 6.33 Å pixel⁻¹) and 2007 February 12 UT (6600-8500 Å; 1.93 Å pixel⁻¹). From cross-correlation experiments between the 2006 March 4 spectrum and a pure CH₄-ice Hapke model, we find the CH₄-ice bands in the MMT spectrum are blueshifted by 3 ± 4 Å relative to bands in the pure CH₄-ice Hapke spectrum. The higher resolution MMT spectrum of 2007 February 12 UT enabled us to measure shifts of individual CH₄-ice bands. We find the 7296, 7862, and 7993 Å CH₄-ice bands are blueshifted by 4 ± 2, 4 ± 4, and 6 ± 5 Å. From four measurements we report here and one of our previously published measurements, we find the CH₄-ice bands are shifted by 4 ± 1 Å. This small shift is important because it suggest the presence of another ice component on the surface of 2005 FY9. Laboratory experiments show that CH₄-ice bands in spectra of CH₄ mixed with other ices are blueshifted relative to bands in spectra of pure CH₄-ice. A likely candidate for the other component is N₂-ice because its weak 2.15 μm band and blueshifted CH₄ bands are seen in spectra of Triton and Pluto. Assuming the shift is due to the presence of N₂, spectra taken on two consecutive nights show no difference in CH₄/N₂. In addition, we find no measurable difference in CH₄/N₂ at different depths into the surface of 2005 FY9.     

The radiolysis of SO2 and H2S in water ice: Implications for the icy jovian satellites

Spectra of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto reveal surfaces dominated by frozen water, hydrated materials, and minor amounts of SO₂, CO₂, and H₂O₂. These icy moons undergo significant bombardment by jovian magnetospheric radiation (protons, electrons, and sulfur and oxygen ions) which alters their surface compositions. In order to understand radiation-induced changes on icy moons, we have measured the mid-infrared spectra of 0.8 MeV proton-irradiated SO₂, H₂S, and H₂O-ice mixtures containing either SO₂ or H₂S. Samples with H₂O/SO₂ or H₂O/H₂S ratios in the 3-30 range have been irradiated at 86, 110, and 132 K, and the radiation half-lives of SO₂ and H₂S have been determined. New radiation products include the H₂S₂ molecule and HSO⁻₃, HSO⁻₄, and SO²⁻₄ ions, all with spectral features that make them candidates for future laboratory work and, perhaps, astronomical observations. Spectra of both unirradiated and irradiated ices have been recorded as a function of temperature, to examine thermal stability and phase changes. The formation of hydrated sulfuric acid in irradiated ice mixtures has been observed, along with the thermal evolution of hydrates to form pure sulfuric acid. These laboratory studies provide fundamental information on likely processes affecting the outer icy shells of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.     

Radiation chemistry of H2O + O2 ices

The chemistry and spectroscopy of proton-irradiated H₂O + O₂ ices have been investigated in relation to the production of oxidants in icy satellite surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), ozone (O₃), and the hydroperoxy (HO₂) and hydrogen trioxide (HO₃) radicals have all been observed, and their temperature and dose dependent production trends have been measured. We find that O₂ aggregates form during the growth of H₂O + O₂ ice films, and the presence of these aggregates greatly affects the HO₂ and H₂O₂ yields. In addition, we have found that the position of the spectral maximum of the ν₃ vibration of O₃ shifts with ice composition, giving an indication of the degree of dispersion of O₃ molecules within the ice. We discuss the relevance of these measurements to icy satellite surfaces.     

Reflectance and transmittance spectra (2.2-2.4 μm) of ion irradiated frozen methanol

We present near-IR (2.2-2.4 μm) reflectance and transmittance spectra of frozen (16 and 77 K) methanol (CH₃OH) and water-methanol (1:1) mixtures before and after irradiation with 30 keV He⁺ and 200 keV H⁺ ions. Spectra of other simple hydrocarbons (CH₄, C₂H₂, C₂H₄, C₂H₆) and CO have also been obtained both to help in the identification of the new molecules formed after ion irradiation of methanol-rich ices, and to get insight into the question of the presence of simple frozen hydrocarbons on the surface of some objects in the outer Solar System. The results confirm what obtained by studies performed in different spectral ranges, namely the ion-induced formation of CO and CH₄, and, for the first time, evidence a strong decrease of the intensity of the methanol band at about 2.34 μm in comparison with that at 2.27 μm. The results are discussed in view of their relevance for icy objects in the Solar System (namely comets, Centaurs, and Kuiper belt objects) where CH₃OH has been observed or suggested to be present.     

A spectroscopic study of the surfaces of Saturn's large satellites: H2O ice, tholins, and minor constituents

We present spectra of Saturn's icy satellites Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Rhea, and Hyperion, 1.0-2.5 μm, with data extending to shorter (Mimas and Enceladus) and longer (Rhea and Dione) wavelengths for certain objects. The spectral resolution (R=λ/Δλ) of the data shown here is in the range 800-1000, depending on the specific instrument and configuration used; this is higher than the resolution (R=225 at 3 μm) afforded by the Visual-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer on the Cassini spacecraft. All of the spectra are dominated by water ice absorption bands and no other features are clearly identified. Spectra of all of these satellites show the characteristic signature of hexagonal H₂O ice at 1.65 μm. We model the leading hemisphere of Rhea in the wavelength range 0.3-3.6 μm with the Hapke and the Shkuratov radiative transfer codes and discuss the relative merits of the two approaches to fitting the spectrum. In calculations with both codes, the only components used are H₂O ice, which is the dominant constituent, and a small amount of tholin (Ice Tholin II). Tholin in small quantities (few percent, depending on the mixing mechanism) appears to be an essential component to give the basic red color of the satellite in the region 0.3-1.0 μm. The quantity and mode of mixing of tholin that can produce the intense coloration of Rhea and other icy satellites has bearing on its likely presence in many other icy bodies of the outer Solar System, both of high and low geometric albedos. Using the modeling codes, we also establish detection limits for the ices of CO₂ (a few weight percent, depending on particle size and mixing), CH₄ (same), and NH₄OH (0.5 weight percent) in our globally averaged spectra of Rhea's leading hemisphere. New laboratory spectral data for NH₄OH are presented for the purpose of detection on icy bodies. These limits for CO₂, CH₄, and NH₄OH on Rhea are also applicable to the other icy satellites for which spectra are presented here. The reflectance spectrum of Hyperion shows evidence for a broad, unidentified absorption band centered at 1.75 μm.