Hubble Space Telescope NICMOS Multiband Photometry of Proteus and Puck
Abstract
We report 1.1-2.4 μm multiband photometry of the small Uranian satellites Puck and Portia and of the small Neptunian satellite Proteus obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope and its near-infrared camera NICMOS. The surface of Puck (and likely Portia) displays an absorption feature matching the 2.0 μm band of water ice. In the case of Proteus, a shallower absorption is detected in the long-wavelength region of the spectrum. Although water ice cannot be entirely ruled out, this feature could also be produced by CH- or C≡N-bearing material. Future spectroscopic observations at high angular resolution are needed to further investigate the nature of the compounds covering the surface of the small moons of Uranus and Neptune.
- Publication:
-
The Astronomical Journal
- Pub Date:
- August 2003
- DOI:
- 10.1086/375909
- Bibcode:
- 2003AJ....126.1080D
- Keywords:
-
- planets and satellites: individual (Proteus);
- planets and satellites: individual (Puck);
- Techniques: Photometric