Initial Results from the Mini-TES Experiment in Gusev Crater from the Spirit Rover

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1100564
• Publication Date: 2004-08-05T20:18:15Z
• Authors: P. R. Christensen; S. W. Ruff; R. L. Fergason; A. T. Knudson; S. Anwar; R. E. Arvidson; J. L. Bandfield; D. L. Blaney; C. Budney; W. M. Calvin; T. D. Glotch; M. P. Golombek; N. Gorelick; T. G. Graff; V. E. Hamilton; A. Hayes; J. R. Johnson; H. Y. McSween; G. L. Mehall; L. K. Mehall; J. E. Moersch; R. V. Morris; A. D. Rogers; M. D. Smith; S. W. Squyres; M. J. Wolff; M. B. Wyatt
• Keywords: Pyroxene; Pigeonite; Forsterite

The Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) on Spirit has studied the mineralogy and thermophysical properties at Gusev crater. Undisturbed soil spectra show evidence for minor carbonates bound water. Rocks are olivinerich basalts with varying degrees of dust other coatings. Dark-toned soils observed disturbed surfaces may be derived from rocks have (±5 to 10%) 45% pyroxene (20% Ca-rich 25% pigeonite), 40% sodic intermediate plagioclase, 15% olivine (forsterite ±5 10). Two spectrally distinct coatings rocks, a possible indicator interaction water, rock, airfall dust. Diurnal temperature data indicate particle sizes 40 80 μm in hollows ∼0.5 3 mm soils.