Airless bodies, such as the Moon, experience space weathering from micrometeorite bombardment and solar wind irradiation, which alter the optical and chemical features of surface minerals, impacting their spectra and posing a hazard to astronauts. As an undergraduate, I worked under NASA SSERVI to study the release of hydroxyl radicals (OH*) from finely ground regolith minerals. We determined that powdered materials could produce reactive species that pose inhalation risks to astronauts. This work was published in GeoHealth. However, further investigations into the effects of space weathering on lunar-relevant minerals are required to better identify ideal landing locations for future rovers and astronauts.
Future work
Utilizing my expertise in mineral alteration and spectroscopy, I plan to investigate the effects of various weathering processes on airless bodies on spectra to better compare with past and future mission data. This includes Exploring the Effects of Space Weathering and Micrometeorite Bombardment on Airless Bodies.