Infrared observations of solar system objects

Abstract

This is an ongoing groundbased infrared study of solar system objects. This is a broadbased program with the overall objective of studying the spectral and physical properties of small solar system bodies. The work spans the entire solar system from a study of the mineralogy of Mercury, to several studies of asteroids, and to studies of Triton, Pluto, and Charon. From these studies, it is hoped that a better understanding of the origin and evolution of these bodies and how they fit into the context of the origin and evolution of the solar system as a whole will be gained.