Workshop Recommendations: Visible-Infrared Spectroscopy of Mars: Laboratory and Field Community Data Sets

Held December 9th, San Francisco Sponsored by the Lunar and Planetary Institute

SUMMARY

Interpretations of visible-infrared spectral data sets of Mars build a critical foundation for geologic and climatic interpretations, and landing site selection. However, an effective response to the upcoming influx of Mars data will require well-rounded experience in field spectroscopy and strong public spectral libraries. An open community meeting was held to address gaps in those areas.

FIELD EXPERIENCE

Laboratory studies cannot replicate or uncover all the spectral and instrumentation complexities that are present outside. Researchers need to gain experience in the complexities of interpreting real world data. Focused field experience should be supported in order to:

--Train interpreters and operators for Mars data and instruments

--Test ideas and aid in tying orbital/aircraft views to surface/rover/lander views

--Build experience in issues such as detection limits, uncertainties, measurement protocols, calibration, interpretation techniques, atmospheric compensation, and theory. This is analogous to the critical experience gained through rover field testing.

PUBLIC DATA

Public spectral libraries provide a foundation for interpretation of remotely acquired data. There is a gap in motivating and facilitating the transfer of privately held data into the public domain. A primary roadblock is the complexity of transferring and accessing data within the NASA Planetary Data System. To address this, the PDS should:

--Implement a user-friendly interface for researchers to transfer and access laboratory and telescopic data

--Establish a census of existing publicly available data

--Establish a means to prioritize archiving needs Field and airborne data bases are considerably more complex to archive. There is no simple mechanism to address this.

Further information is on-line: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/kirkland/Community/reports.htm

**A calendar of Mars-related meetings has also been added: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/kirkland/Community/calendar.htm

The next meeting will be an informal lunch during LPSC for the vis- infrared community, including Raman and LIBS.

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