Spectral analysis and compositing techniques for the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR Shoemaker), X-ray and Gamma-Ray Spectrometers (XGRS)

T. P. McClanahan, J. I. Trombka, L. R. Nittler, W. V. Boynton, J. Bruckner, S. W. Squyres, L. G. Evans, J. S. Bhangoo, P. E. Clark, S. R. Floyd, E. McCartney, I. Mikheeva, R. D. Starr

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

An X-ray and Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (XGRS) is on board the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft to determine the elemental composition of the surface of the asteroid 433 Eros. The Eros asteroid is highly oblate and irregular in shape. As a result, analysis methodologies are in many ways a divergence from comparable techniques. Complex temporal, spatial and instrument performance relationships must be accounted for during the analysis process. Field of view and asteroid surface geometry measurements must be modeled and then combined with real measurements of solar, spectral and instrument calibration information to derive scientific results. NEAR is currently orbiting 433 Eros and is in the initial phases of its primary data integration and mapping phases. Initial results have been obtained and bulk chemistry assessments have been obtained through specialized background assessment and data reduction techniques.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)179-183
Number of pages5
JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Volume471
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Instrumentation

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