The Near Infrared Spectrum of Miranda: Evidence of Crystalline Water Ice |
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| Authors: | James M Bauer Ted L RoushThomas R Geballe Karen J MeechTobias C Owen William D Vacca John T Rayner Kevin TC Jim |
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| Institution: | a Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii, 2680 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, f1bauer@ifa.hawaii.eduf1b Space Science Division, Planetary Systems Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop 245-3, Moffet Field, California, 94035-1000c Gemini 8-Meter Telescope Project, 670N. A'ohoku Place, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720d Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii, 2680 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822 |
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| Abstract: | A spectrum from 1.2 to 2.5 μm of Uranus' small satellite Miranda obtained in June 1999 reveals strong water-ice signatures. It confirms the existence of a 2.0-μm water feature previously detected on Miranda and shows a strong second broad 1.5-μm water-ice absorption feature. The spectra also reveal a weak absorption band at 1.65 μm that is indicative of crystalline water ice. Reflectance models which combine the new spectra with new photometry indicate that the spectra are characteristic of a mostly water-ice surface, with a large fraction of carbonaceous or silicate contaminates, and the possible presence of ammonia hydrate, as implied by an apparent weak feature near 2.2 μm. The possible presence of other volatiles is also investigated. |
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| Keywords: | Uranian satellite |
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