Pyroxene structures,cathodoluminescence and the thermal history of the enstatite chondrites

Abstract— In order to explore the thermal history of enstatite chondrites, we examined the cathodoluminescence (CL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of 15 EH chondrites and 21 EL chondrites, including all available petrographic types, both textural types 3–6 and mineralogical types α–δ. The CL properties of EL3α and EH3α chondrites are similar. Enstatite grains high in Mn and other transition metals display red CL, while enstatite with low concentrations of these elements show blue CL. A few enstatite grains with >5 wt% FeO display no CL. In contrast, the luminescent properties of the metamorphosed EH chondrites are very different from those of metamorphosed EL chondrites. While the enstatites in metamorphosed EH chondrites display predominantly blue CL, the enstatites in metamorphosed EL chondrites display a distinctive magenta CL with blue and red peaks of approximately equal intensity in their spectra. The TL sensitivities of the enstatite chondrites correlate with the intensity of the blue CL and, unlike other meteorite classes, are not simply related to metamorphism. The different luminescent properties of metamorphosed EH and EL chondrites cannot readily be attributed to compositional differences. But x-ray diffraction data suggests that the enstatite in EH5γ,δ chondrites is predominantly disordered orthopyroxene, while enstatite in EL6β chondrites is predominantly ordered orthopyroxene. The difference in thermal history of metamorphosed EL and EH chondrites is so marked that the use of single “petrographic” types is misleading, and separate textural and mineralogical types are preferable. Our data confirm earlier suggestions that metamorphosed EH chondrites underwent relatively rapid cooling, and the metamorphosed EL chondrites cooled more slowly and experienced prolonged heating in the orthopyroxene field.     

The thermometry of enstatite chondrites: A brief review and update

Abstract— Due to the discoveries in Antarctica, the number of known enstatite chondrites has doubled in the last few years, and many rare or previously unknown types have been collected, most notably many EL3 and EH3 chondrites. We have applied the five major enstatite chondrite thermometers to the new and previously known enstatite chondrites, the thermometers being: (1) kamacite-quartz-enstatite-oldhamite-troilite (KQEOT), (2) oldhamite, (3) alabandite-niningerite, (4) sphalerite, and (5) phosphide-metal. Measured temperatures based on the KQEOT and oldhamite systems are 800 °C-1000 °C with the type 3 enstatite chondrites having values similar to those of type 4–6. It seems likely that these temperatures relate to events prior to parent body metamorphism, such as nebula condensation or chondrule formation, and were not significantly reset by later events. Measured temperatures for alabandite-niningerite, metal-phosphide and sphalerite in EH chondrites increase from 300 °C-400 °C to 600 °C-800 °C with petrographic indications of increasing metamorphism. In contrast, measured temperatures for all EL chondrites, including the most heavily metamorphosed, are generally <400 °C. Apparently EL chondrites cooled more slowly than the EH chondrites regardless of metamorphism experienced. Measured temperatures for the alabandite-niningerite, metal-phosphide and sphalerite are actually closure temperatures for the last thermal event suffered by the meteorite, and the fast cooling rates indicated are most consistent with processes occurring in thick regoliths.     

The San Fernando Observatory Video Spectra-Spectroheliograph

We describe recent work in the development of the San Fernando Observatory (SFO) Video Spectra-Spectroheliograph (VSSHG), a spectrum-based instrument for the measurement of the solar Stokes profiles. Its most important features are: simultaneous measurement of Stokes I plus one of Stokes Q, U, or V; spatial sampling of 0.5 arc sec; spectral sampling of 8.8 mÅ; and time sampling of one minute (for one pair of Stokes profile) to three minutes (for all four profiles). Routine data processing is carried out using a moments technique; tests of this technique show it to be reasonably accurate. Sample data are shown and briefly discussed: a longitudinal magnetogram and Dopplergram of NOAA 5573 observed on 17 August, 1989, and a vector magnetic field map and Dopplergram of NOAA 6659 observed on 10 June, 1991.