Rapid heating rates define the volatile emission and regolith composition of (3200) Phaethon

Martin D. Suttle (), Lorenz. F. Olbrich, Charlotte. L. Bays and Liza Riches
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Martin D. Suttle: The Open University, Walton Hall
Lorenz. F. Olbrich: University of Oxford, Parks Road
Charlotte. L. Bays: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road
Liza Riches: The Open University, Walton Hall

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Asteroid (3200) Phaethon experiences extreme solar radiant heating ( ~ 750 °C) during perihelion (0.14 au), leading to comet-like activity. The regolith composition and mechanism of volatile emission are unknown but key to understanding JAXA’s DESTINY+ mission data (fly-by in 2029) and the fate of near-Sun asteroids more generally. By subjecting CM chondrite fragments to fast, open system, cyclic heating (2-20 °C/min), simulating conditions on Phaethon we demonstrate that rapid heating rates combine with the low permeability, resulting in reactions between volatile gases and decomposing minerals. The retention of S-bearing gas limits the thermal decomposition of Fe-sulphides, allowing these minerals to survive repeated heating cycles. Slow escape of S-bearing gases provides a mechanism for repeated gas release from a thermally processed surface and, therefore the comet-like activity without requiring surface renewal to expose fresh material each perihelion cycle. We predict Phaethon regolith is composed of olivine, Fe-sulphides, Ca-sulphates and hematite.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51054-w

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