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Partlow, W. D.

Publications and source records attributed to Partlow, W. D..

5 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

Vacuum ultraviolet reflectance spectra of groups L, LL, and E chondrites and of achondrites

The reflectance spectra of individual meteorites of all classes are being measured in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectral wavelength region from 89 to 248 nm to evaluate the potential of VUV spectroscopy as a remote sensing method for planetary studies. In the present investigation, specimens of 15 group L chondrites, 13 group LL chondrites, 7 group E chondrites, and 18 achondrites were studied. Spectra were measured of both polished thin sections and powders of the meteorites, where both were available. Attention is given to measurements of mineral standards, shock effects, and meteorite data. It is concluded that the VUV spectra of meteorites should provide a useful basis for comparisons with spectra of asteroids and comet nuclei taken from spacecraft. VUV spectroscopy should make it possible to identify the major minerals present in a meteorite or asteroid.

Wagner, J. K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Vacuum ultraviolet reflectance spectra of group H chondrites

The spectral reflectances of seventeen group H chondrites have been measured in the vacuum ultraviolet region, from 5 to 14 eV photon energy (250 to 90 nm, wavelength), as part of a survey of all meteorite types. Olivines, ortho-, and clino- pyroxenes are the three most important silicate minerals in these meteorites, and the spectrum of each mineral contains a distinct peak caused by a transition believed to be excitonic in nature and involving the valence-conduction bandgap. The energy at which this peak occurs varies as a function of mineral composition, and this variation has been determined from the spectra of a number of mineral standards. The observed positions of the olivine and pyroxene peaks in the meteorite spectra are compared to predicted positions based on the standard minerals.

Wagner, J. K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Reflectance measurements of lunar materials in the vacuum ultraviolet

The spectral reflectances of materials have been measured in the vacuum ultraviolet region of the spectrum for possible planetary compositional remote-sensing applications. These materials, which include lunar and terrestrial silicate rocks and minerals, have one or more characteristic absorption peaks between about 8 and 13 eV. The peaks are visible in the spectra of powders and rough surfaces as well as polished surfaces. In lunar samples the most prominent peaks are at 10.25 eV, due to augite, and at 9.0 eV, due to anorthite. Spectra of lunar soils have minima between 6 eV (0.20 micron) and 8 eV (0.16 micron) depending on composition. Soils that have high reflectances in the visible have low reflectances in the VUV. The pyroxene content of the soils results in reflectance maxima at about 10 eV (0.12 micron). Peaks due to olivine and augite can be identified in the spectra of meteorites.

Hapke, B. W.↗