Molly McCarthy posted on April 12, 2026 10:53
In early April, Professor Christopher Bass and two research students from the Department of Physics traveled to Hawai‘i to conduct astronomical observations at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF), located at the summit of Maunakea at an elevation of 14,000 feet. The IRTF is one of the premier observatories in the world for infrared astronomy and is part of the internationally recognized Maunakea Observatories.
This research trip was supported by a grant from NASA, which enabled both the travel and the observational work conducted at the facility.
During the trip, the research team collected spectral data on a selection of asteroids. By analyzing the infrared light reflected from these objects, the team can determine their mineralogical composition. This technique allows scientists to identify specific minerals present on asteroid surfaces, offering insights into their formation history.
The focus of this research is on basaltic asteroids -- objects composed of minerals that formed under conditions of intense heat and pressure. These asteroids are of particular scientific interest because they are believed to be fragments of larger parent bodies that underwent differentiation, a process similar to what occurred in the early Earth.
By characterizing the composition of these basaltic asteroids, the research contributes to a broader understanding of the processes that shaped the early Solar System. The findings can help refine existing models of planetary formation and evolution, shedding light on how rocky bodies formed and evolved over billions of years.
This project also provided a valuable hands-on research experience for the participating students, who were directly involved in telescope operations, data acquisition, and subsequent analysis. Opportunities like this highlight the College’s commitment to engaging students in meaningful scientific research and experiential learning.
The trip to the NASA IRTF represents an important step forward in ongoing faculty-student research in planetary science and underscores the impact of undergraduate research on advancing scientific knowledge.