Planetary Geology and Astrobiology

Meteorites and micro-meteorites are among the only accessible solid materials from non-Earth/Moon rocky bodies, commonly preserving the records of processes dating back to the formation of the solar system. Classification of meteorites is based on a combination of mineralogical, bulk chemical, and isotopic compositions, and commonly relies on destructive analytical techniques. However, information on their origins doesn't just come from bulk compositions but the spatial distributions of minerals and elements. Geochemical and mineralogical mapping techniques provide these key data.

• Rapid major and trace element analysis by the TRACER or TITAN handheld XRF makes identification of many meteorite classes in the field or in the lab simple, limiting the number of samples that need further investigation by more expensive techniques. See an example here.
• Elemental mapping using M4 TORNADO and M4 TORNADO PLUS micro-XRF instruments allow bulk geochemical data without the need for destruction of sensitive samples. Maps allow comparison of domains present within a single sample, such as compositional differences between breccia fragments or assessment of primary mineralogy versus secondary alteration products formed during impacts, transit through Earth's atmosphere, or on the Earth's surface. Additionally, compositional maps provide context and improved targeting for further analysis by higher-resolution techniques such as isotope analysis.
• When looking at higher magnifications on smaller samples, QUANTAX EDS and QUANTAX WDS systems for scanning electron microscopes provide compositional point analysis at micron- and sub-micron scales and mapping in detail over areas as large as a thin section. Couple these detectors with QUANTAX EBSD to constrain mineral structural information.
• Bruker's vibrational spectroscopy solutions such as the Hyperion series FT-IR microscope and Senterra Raman microscope delve deeper where elemental data is insufficient, such as characterization of amorphous vs crystalline materials, and identification of inorganic vs organic carbon.
• X-ray Diffraction is used by many of the top museums in the verification of meteorite specimens. The extreme conditions that the metals are subject to often result in the discovery of unique new phases. Lunar Materials and Collections (add bullet point): The fine, powder like surface of the moon, referred to as lunar regolith has a make-up quite different than terrestrial materials. X-ray Diffraction plays an complementary role to elemental techniques, such as XRF, as it is sensitive to the crystallographic structure of the material. Analog studies (add bullet point): When studying the effects of martian and lunar dust on equipment it is important to account not only for the elemental composition, but also the crystallographic structure of the simulant. The D2 PHASER is commonly used in Lunar and Mars simulant studies to ensure that the phase quantification of simulants matches these extraterrestrial environments.
  

Analog studies help prepare for geologic work on other planets and provide insight into other rocky bodies in our solar system. Analog field expeditions transform similar parts of the Earth into field research, development laboratories and proving grounds for procedures, methodologies, and technologies. Analog science missions explore the extremes of surface environments on Earth to better understand the processes and products of current or past planetary locations. Analog sites are selected for geologic, environmental, or chemical similarities to other planets, moons, or asteroids. Bruker tools are used in planetary analog studies to:  

• Develop standard operating procedures for the use of portable instrumentation during surface explorations 
• Test policies and procedures for detailed scientific analysis in habs or surface vehicles 
• Gather information about the validity and limitations of robotic data collecting 
• Develop and test planetary protection protocols and biocontainment countermeasures 
• Observe and understand biogeochemical processes in extreme environments including extreme chemistries, temperatures, and pressures.

Much about what we know of bombardment processes comes from the study of terrestrial impact craters. From the geometry of the final crater, reaction products (deformed rocks and minerals, impact melts, and ejecta) formed due to the high velocity of the impact and the ages of impact events, these remnants of past impacts tell us much about processes that shaped Earth and other rocky planets. Micro-structural and -compositional analysis of terrestrial impact products represent a first order constraint on models and projections for impact processes that have operated on Earth and elsewhere in the solar system.

• M4 TORNADO, M4 TORNADO PLUS, and M6 JETSTREAM micro-XRF instruments enable rapid characterization of large samples and drill core to allow identification of impact products such as impact melt and tephra or spherule beds. Major and minor element distributions place greater confidence in interpretations of rock textures while trace elements may confirm the presence of fine-grained remnants of the impactor. 
• QUANTAX EDS, QUANTAX WDS and QUANTAX EBSD systems for scanning electron microscopes allow compositional and structural characterization down to micron and sub-micron scales, confirming the presence of deformation bands or twinning in minerals and occurrence of high-pressure mineral polymorphs allowing the size and velocities of impact events to be constrained.