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Cory Honer
Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science
Missouri State University
Advisor: Dr. David M. Cornelison
Abstract
The presence of frozen volatiles in Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) has been realized for decades, but their relative stoichiometry is still a topic of debate. The dwarf planets Pluto and Eris are both KBOs and are of particular interest when attempting to determine volatile abundances. In 2007, researchers determined that both dwarf planets were sufficiently massive enough and cold enough that it was possible for them to retain volatiles on their surfaces over the age of the Solar System. The goal of the research is to match spectra of the icy surfaces of Pluto and Eris with ices grown in the lab. Success in this effort will allow for a greater understanding of the stoichiometry of the frozen volatiles on their surfaces. Having recently finished our ultra-high vacuum setup, we are now beginning the task of growing our first ices and calibrating our system. Upon completion of calibrating our system, we will begin studying the spectra of methane and argon ices of various stoichiometries for comparison with spectra of Pluto and Eris.
Cory Honer is a senior in the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO.
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