Measuring the surface abundance of iron and nickel on the asteroid (16) Psyche in the presence of large solar particle events

• DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2023.105832
• Publication Date: 2023-12-23T04:35:35Z
• Authors: Morgan Burks; Stephan Friedrich; John Goldsten; Lena Heffern; Nathan Hines; Geon-Bo Kim; David J. Lawrence; Vladimir Mozin; Patrick Peplowski
• Keywords: Psyche; Solar energetic particles

This work investigates a novel signature for measuring the Ni/Fe ratio on asteroid (16) Psyche that is robust against interference from large Solar Particle Events. NASA's mission launched October 13th, 2023, and headed to investigate this M-type asteroid. A primary science requirement gamma-ray spectrometer measure absolute surface abundance of Ni Fe. In particular, will help test hypothesis metal-rich body, possibly remnant core failed planetesimal. However, Events can activate iron in spacecraft, as well body itself, disrupting measurement six months or more. Such an event happened during MESSENGER orbit around Mercury June 4, 2011, precluding further mapping remainder mission. similar at could adversely affect goals and/or prolong operation. Given expected high Fe Psyche, paper proposes alternative relies gamma rays 54Fe rather than 56Fe. Although has lower natural 56Fe (5.8% vs 91.7%, respectively), much less susceptible activation would allow measurements resume within days after Event. addition, 58Ni shown not be activation, thus making 58Ni/54Fe presence