Another priority, examining the planet's surface composition, would be fulfilled with a mapping infrared spectrometer.
Its surface composition is thought to be broadly similar to its composition as a whole.
It is an X-type asteroid, so its surface composition is yet unknown.
Their conclusion, reported in Science, is that the spot probably results from differences in surface composition.
Current technology cannot determine the atmospheric or surface composition of the planet due to the overpowering light of its parent star.
That's the difference in surface composition, Lvov thought absently.
In addition, these processes offer the benefit of characterizing microscopic variations in surface composition.
These types are thought to correspond to an asteroid's surface composition.
It will carry instruments to detect the planet's surface composition, any water or shallow buried ice, and radiation.
It cooled and developed an atmosphere, a hydrosphere, and a surface composition.