It’s LPSC time. The 57th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference will be held (in the same Houston area) this March 16-20:
https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2026/
Really, the LPSC is the big meeting of the annual calendar in this field. This year, there are some issues, given the current environment and the inability to plan major efforts. Still, people have things to bring to the table, and let’s see some of them:
https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2026/program/
My asteroid gleanings (full program way too big):
Monday, March 16
Asteroid Surfaces in Action: Missions, Models, and Laboratory Perspectives
This paper describes the rationale, plans, and expected limits to be achieved for coma/other activity searches of the NASA Lucy Jovian Trojan flybys.
Donaldjohanson / Lucy views your bilobed form / For Trojan practice.
NASA sends Psyche / Seeking ancient magnetism / Dynamo or Sun?
How do we quantify metal from metal-olivine mixtures, lets look at VNIR-TIR spectroscopy for solution!!
We present a model for the differentiation of Ceres’ rocky core that couples thermal, chemical and mechanical processes. We show that differentiation is likely limited by the mobility, permeability/fluid viscosity, rather than matrix viscosity.
We model regolith motion Phobos ion and identify Regolith Migration Pathways that correlate with smooth terrains, spectral units, and landslides, with best agreement for a low effective friction angle of regolith. This prepare for the MMX mission .
We propose an SVD-based algorithm to accelerate MSTM scattering simulations for sphere clusters, and apply it to ISAR imaging of sphere-cluster models of asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa under the China’s Tianwen-2 radar configuration.
Improving on methods previously utilized for other small bodies, we analyzed the spatial distribution of impact craters on Bennu’s surface, and provide evidence of variable resurfacing histories on Bennu’s northern versus southern hemispheres.
High resolution radar observations from Arecibo Observatory indicates the satellite of binary object (285263) 1998 QE2 is potentially a bi-lobed object. We present a new shape model of the satellite and updated parameters of the primary.
We show that particle angularity controls vibrated granular flow relevant to planetary regolith. Highly angular grains sustain long-lived convection, implying asteroid surfaces may be far more dynamic than predicted by spherical-particle models.
We simulate the gravitational accretion of a cloud of particles (various PSDs, spatial distributions and spin rates), try to find if a typical interior naturally emerges and if the surface morphology can truly be treated as proxy for their interiors.
Protoplanetary Disk Evolution: From Reservoirs to Planets
Here, we report the carriers of 54Fe anomalies in carbonaceous chondrites (CI and CM). These anomalies represent incomplete mixing within the early Protoplanetary disk that led to the formation of unique isotopically isolated reservoirs in the disk.
We present a new estimate for the initial abundance of Cesium-135 in the Early Solar System based on fine-grained CAI leachates. This new value is orders of magnitude higher than previous estimates and in par with previous detections in chondrules.
Winds take vapor away / Rapid expansion mixing / Where did H2O/C go?
Attempts to identify Earth’s late-stage building blocks using Mo genetics have generated controversial results. We discuss the issues, constraints, and potential next steps towards reaching a consensus.
Mo isotopes in IAB irons show Earth’s late-stage building blocks were not sourced solely from non-carbonaceous (inner solar system) material. Bulk silicate Earth’s Mo requires contribution of 10–45% carbonaceous (outer solar system) material.
Paleomagnetic measurements of Bennu samples returned by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission indicate that they recorded a solar nebula magnetic field during aqueous alteration of their parent body.
Returned Bennu samples record surprisingly strong magnetic fields, suggesting a distinct reservoir than primitive chondrites and Ryugu and providing evidence of local magnetic concentrations, possibly due to nebular sub-structures.
Zolensky M. et al. CI1-Like Lithologies in Non-CI Meteorites: Kaidun [#1122]
Discussion of C1 materials in the Kaidun meteorite.
Minor elements and O isotopes of the most Mg-rich olivines (Mg#>=98) from comet samples (Wild 2 and a giant cluster IDP) suggest similar origins as Mg-rich olivines (Mg#>=98) from asteroids Ryugu and Bennu.
We model the accretion-controlled thermal evolution of the parent bodies of Ryugu and CI chondrites, showing that accretion of ~100 km bodies starting ~3 Myr after CAIs reproduces observed lithological proportions.
Old water traces / On magnetite surfaces / Put smiles on faces.
Triple oxygen isotope measurements on insoluble organic matter (IOM) sourced from a diverse suite of Type 1, 2 & 3 carbonaceous chondrites reveal that the most primitive IOM is isotopically related to the primitive oxygen reservoirs in the early SS.
X-ray spectroscopy of a suite of CM chondrites demonstrates a shift toward lower iron oxidation states with increasing degree of aqueous alteration, informing redox evolution on the CM parent body.
This study provides new 3D constraints on how metal loss and evaporation shape chondrule chemistry and reinforces the link between CM chondrites and cometary matter, offering insight into how metal extraction shaped outer Solar System building block.
Quantitative STEM-EDS analyses of submicron matrix olivine and pyroxene in pristine CO3.0 chondrites reveal multiple formation pathways, constraining early solar nebular thermal processes.
We used XCT to quantify 3D particle size distributions of CB chondrites. By comparing the sizes of chondrules, metals, and metal spherules across different CB chondrites, we infer the relationship between their formation conditions.
This project evaluates whether L/LL ordinary chondrites represent a compositional continuum between the L and LL ordinary chondrites by integrating new fayalite olivine measurements with oxygen isotopes and whole-rock VNIR reflectance spectra.
Formation and preservation of high-pressure polymorphs within melt veins in L6 chondrites: Evidence for a single impact event.
We developed a physically based numerical model that reproduces the rim–bar structure of barred olivine chondrules for the first time, explaining rim formation via driving-force–dependent olivine growth kinetics from classical nucleation theory.
Analysis of Rubin First Look data for 2,103 asteroids yielded 76 reliable rotation periods. We discovered 19 super-fast rotators and three ultra-fast rotators, including 2025 MN45 with a 1.88-min period, the fastest known asteroid larger than 500 m.
We used NASA’s Lucy spacecraft and the Las Cumbros Observatory in Chile to study 3I’s coma in mid-September 2025. The main scientific objective was to investigate the phase law for scattered sunlight from the dust in 3I’s coma.
In November 2025, the Oort cloud comet C/2025 K1 (hereafter K1) was observed to split into multiple fragments. We present JWST imaging and spectroscopic observations of fragmenting Oort cloud comet K1. We will discuss the interpretations of the data.
We present our preliminary 0.75–5.0 µm, R = 30 to 135, 6.2″ x 6.2″ pixel, 102-band spectrophotometric imaging solar system science results from the first six months of the SPHEREx all-sky survey.
We present near-IR spectra of hydrated asteroid families to examine how soluble organic matter is redistributed during aqueous alteration. Variations in 3 µm band shapes across families constrain parent-body structure and evolution.
PHA 2025 FA22 approached Earth at 2 lunar distances on 2025 Sep 18. 6 nights of photometry gave a 13.075 h rotation period, 0.62 mag amplitude, elongated shape, and S-complex colors, showing citizen-scientist observations value for planetary defense.
Tsinghua’s student-led START mission targets asteroid Apophis during its 2029 Earth flyby. It studies tidal effects and physical properties via optical and spectral instruments, demonstrating a low-cost rapid-response architecture.
Based on NASA’s GOES-16 satellite and its Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), and the Colombian statistical center, we present a project to identify all bolide events detected over Colombia.
Collisions between stony asteroids produce rubble piles. Collisions between stony and metallic asteroids produce rubble piles with metal cores. Metal cores can unpredictably increase asteroid mass beyond estimates and thwart deflection missions.
Hypervelocity impact experiments on meteorites suggest that sequencing the kinetic energy over multiple impacts does not reduce the likelihood of target disruption, and there are indications the target recoil decreases in successive impacts.
Electromagnetic deflection of 2024 YR4 is examined. Magnetic forces on S-type asteroids are comparable to gravity at operational distances. For rubble piles, extracting and ejecting fragments magnetically may prove more effective than bulk deflection.
We demonstrate a practical, high-resolution numerical method for calculating the asymmetric body forces and torques from a stand-off X-ray explosive during a Planetary Defense mitigation, with implications for deflection and disruption.
In-Person Poster Session 1: Planetary Data: Resources to Maximize Science Return
Hartke M. H. et al. The Cartography and Imaging Science Node of NASA’s Planetary Data System (PDS) [#1542]
Rodriguez K. et al. Taking the ISIS Out of ISISDATA [#1309]
Kim C. H. et al. Improvements to the ISIS Bundle Adjustment System [#1289]
Iqbal W. et al. Ocean Floor to Outer Space: When Geologic Mapping Meets Extreme Environments [#1221]
We invesitgate the role of small (<20 km) polygonal impact craters (PICs) on Ceres and their relation to the dwarf planet’s overall evolution. We analyze Ceres’ small PICs through tracing their rims to determine straight rim segment orientations.
We present a comparative analysis of NEA boulder SFDs discussing about the possible boulder properties and distribution on the surface of (99942) Apophis.
Doublet Crater research has been linked to binary asteroids for many years, but only a limited set of simulations have been utilized to simulate the asteroids that could have made up the doublet crater footprints of years past.
POLABO, a novel experimental setup that simulates the astronomical observation of an asteroid to obtain its relative polarization-phase curve, allowing for a well-characterized sample that simulates the asteroid.
The MMX mission (launch planned in 2026) will refine Phobos shape models using high-resolution images obtained from quasi-satellite orbits. This study presents our preliminary plans for stereophotoclinometric shape modeling aimed at geodetic studies.
Using LUKE and DRACO images from DART/LICIACube, this study updates Didymos’ geologic map, revealing a mostly rough, boulder-rich surface, a unique smooth equatorial region, and a possible large impact crater pending higher-resolution data.
The effects of surface and interior heterogeneity on the ejecta plume produced by the DART impact on Dimorphos are examined using shock-physics simulations, with relevance for upcoming Hera observations.
We present over 25,000 asteroid spin states and shape models from Gaia, ATLAS, and ZTF photometry. Comparing young and old families reveals spin-rate evolution, YORP-driven bimodality, and constraints on post-collisional rotational histories.
GPU/CUDA-based high-performance gravity-field computation code for irregularly shaped small bodies is released. It allows use of high-resolution shape models and extensive parameter studies of the effects of structure and rotation on gravity fields.
Phobos crater depth/diameter ratios cluster into three morphological populations. Primary-impact simulations quantify Mars shielding, providing a baseline for Mars/anti-Mars and leading/trailing crater-density asymmetries.
We present DEMs of Comet 67P’s northern hemisphere before and after its 2015 perihelion passage, as observed by the Rosetta mission. Our findings highlight the importance of local-scale morphological process on sediment redistribution.
We will present integrated flux maps of continuum emission, coma dust mass estimates, and upper limits on molecular abundances (CH3OH, SO) for C/2023A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) placed within the context of other studies on this comet.
D-Type objects are a heterogeneous collection of small bodies (asteroids, centaurs, comet nuclei, Phobos and Deimos). A new comprehensive catalogue of D-Types is compiled to explore their diversity and provide context for understanding Mars’ moons.
Investigation of asteroid-meteorite connections between Hungaria family asteroids, Xe-type NEAs, and aubrites through spectral comparisons enable an understanding of NEA compositions from their source region→to NEAs→to meteorites that strike Earth.
This project characterized extraterrestrial materials, such as interplanetary dust particles, using optical and electron microscopy. Solar energy particle tracks were found in some samples which may have indications for their origins.
Treasure hunting for GEMS behind large rocks by looking for remnant kamacite and carbon in Stardust tracks, but no lucky strike yet.
Two new C1 chondrites, Oued Chebeika 002 and Flensburg have been characterized by reflectance spectrscopy, extending the spectral diversity seen among these meteorites. They exhibit spectral features that can be linked to their mineralogies.
We established a revised compositional table for the primitive mantle with an emphasis on phosphorus (P). This is because P is a non-volatile life-essential element, and we can use its stellar abundance to evaluate the habitability of exoplanets.
GC–MS and Orbitrap-MS/MS profiling of the Kolang CM1/2 chondrite reveals a complex organic suite, including abundant uracil, benzoic and hydroxybenzoic acids, and the first report of meteoritic hydroquinone, linked to altered CM mineralogy.
GC–MS analysis of low-temperature hydrothermal alteration (100°C, 35 d) of chondritic minerals and cometary (carbon-rich) coal in CO2–water. Methanol extracts showed organics above blanks/controls, strongest for coal + full mineral mix.
We use updated matrix mass fractions of carbonaceous chondrites to re-estimate the abundances of moderately volatile elements in the non-matrix component.
Using both meteoritic and asteroidal evidence, we attempt to estimate the number of CM chondrite parent bodies that exist in the asteroid belt.
We report a CM-like clast in howardite recording impact-related mechanical processing and material mixing. Petrography reveals localized hydrous phases within a deformed, anhydrous matrix, linking meteoritic records to asteroid regolith processes.
Both nebular melting and aqueous fluid-rock interaction in an asteroidal setting affected oxygen-isotope compositions of primary minerals in CAIs from CV3-4 lithologies of the CK/CV Camel Donga 003 carbonaceous chondrite.
We measure high field strength element ratios (Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta) in CV chondrite components that deviate significantly from solar proportions and explore potential sources of this fractionation.
The ultrarefractory CAI #CC072-1, found at first time in the H3 ordinary chondrite Chug Chug 072, is an aggregate of gas-solid condensates which was probably affected by O-isotope exchange prior to incorporation into the CC 072 parent asteroid.
This abstract aims to characterize petrochemical and shock metamorphic features of Kuttippuram (L6) chondrite.
Type 7LL / Shock vein with extra chromite / History unveiled.
Coupled K and Rb isotope analysis from a single aliquot by Neoma MC-ICP-MS/MS, enabling high-precision measurements of low-abundance samples without large sample digestions.
We document an ungrouped OC3 chondrite with features distinct from those in well-known chondrite groups.
Primitive EL3. Macrochondrules (>2 mm) may have formed from melting of unusually large dust clumps or melt droplet agglomeration in an environment with high temperatures and elevated dust concentration. Silicate darkening is due to shock or reduction.
We describe our initial efforts to examine the compositional diversity of the Enstatite chondrites.
Plagioclase in hydrous-mineral-bearing R chondrites records variable water contents providing constraints on water distribution in planetesimals and suggesting differences in formation conditions among R chondrites.
We document a plagioclase-rich noritic achondrite which extends the mineralogical diversity of diogenites towards anorthositic assemblages.
Tiny speck in sky / May be disaster coming / Gotta go look fast.
The integration of hyperspectral imaging with drone technology provides an unprecedented level of efficiency and accuracy for meteorite searches in remote polar regions. Our abstract describes the potential of a drone in survey of natural resources.
We present a mission concept of Japanese next small body exploration mission in 2030’s. This mission will target a comet. In addition to the remote sensing, sampling, in-situ analysis, and internal structure exploration are considered.