The Elemental Composition of Asteroid 433 Eros: Results of the NEAR-Shoemaker X-ray Spectrometer

J. I. Trombka(Goddard Space Flight Center), S. W. Squyres(Cornell University), J. Brückner, W. V. Boynton(Planetary Science Institute), R. C. Reedy(Los Alamos National Laboratory), T. J. McCoy(Smithsonian Institution), P. Gorenstein(Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory), L. G. Evans(General Sciences (United States)), J. R. Arnold(University of California San Diego), R. Starr(University of America), L. R. Nittler(Goddard Space Flight Center), M. E. Murphy(University of America), I. B. Mikheeva(Planetary Science Institute), R. L. McNutt(Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory), T. P. McClanahan(Goddard Space Flight Center), Elaina McCartney(Cornell University), J. Goldsten(Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory), R. E. Gold(Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory), S. R. Floyd(Goddard Space Flight Center), P. E. Clark(University of America), T. H. Burbine(Smithsonian Institution), J. S. Bhangoo(Planetary Science Institute), S. H. Bailey(Planetary Science Institute), M. I. Petaev(Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory)
Science
September 22, 2000
Cited by 133

Abstract

We report major element composition ratios for regions of the asteroid 433 Eros imaged during two solar flares and quiet sun conditions during the period of May to July 2000. Low aluminum abundances for all regions argue against global differentiation of Eros. Magnesium/silicon, aluminum/silicon, calcium/silicon, and iron/silicon ratios are best interpreted as a relatively primitive, chondritic composition. Marked depletions in sulfur and possible aluminum and calcium depletions, relative to ordinary chondrites, may represent signatures of limited partial melting or impact volatilization.


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