Mars - Near-infrared spectral reflectance and compositional implication

Abstract

Several distinct absorption features, some recognized for the first time, are evident in a newly obtained reflectance spectrum (wavelengths = 0.62-2.6 microns, reciprocal dispersion = 83) of the integral disk of Mars. The effects of Martian atmospheric CO2 have been removed from the spectrum to arrive at a reflectance spectrum that is believed to be due mostly to surface material. Absorptions, at 1.22, 1.55, and 2.05 microns are interpreted to indicate the presence of H2O ice plus high desiccated mineral hydrate, although an H2O ice phase with strongly shifted fundamental frequencies cannot be ruled out. Ferrosilicate and ferric oxide bands near and shortward of 1.0 micron are confirmed. The new observations were made on April 21-23, 1976, universal time, at the 2.24-m telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, using a newly developed infrared spectrometer.