# # Program information file # PROGRAM_ID 2022A081 PROGRAM_TITLE Are Jupiter Irregular Satellites and Ceres-like Asteroids Related? PROGRAM_INV1 Driss Takir PROGRAM_INV2 Richard Cartwright PROGRAM_INV3 PROGRAM_INV4 PROGRAM_INV5 PROGRAM_SCICAT major planets / satellites PROGRAM_ABSTRACT_BEG We propose to use the prism [0.8-2.5 um] and LXD [1.9-4.1 um] modes of the SpeX [0.8 x 15 arcsec slit] spectrograph/imager to collect NIR reflectance spectra of two irregular satellites of Jupiter, Himalia and Pasiphase. The collected spectra of irregular satellites will be compared to spectra of Ceres-like asteroids. Our hypothesis is that irregular satellites are captured objects from the outer solar system and share the same spectral features as Ceres-like asteroids; hence, irregular satellites and Ceres-like asteroids may have the same origin and experienced the same evolution. SpeX's prism spectral range can cover overtones and combinations of vibrational modes of H2O, hydrated silicates, and organics, as well as electronic transitions in anhydrous minerals, including olivine and pyroxene. The LXD spectral region covers the 3-um feature, which is attributed to hydrated minerals or H2O ice. The LXD spectral range also includes absorptions of organic materials that exhibit C-H stretching features at 3.4-3.5 um and carbonates that exhibit CO3 absorption features in the 3.8-4.0 um. PROGRAM_ABSTRACT_END