Spectral Evidence for Irradiated Sodium Chloride on the Surface of 1 Ceres

Abstract Bright spots on the surface of Ceres exhibit a mineralogy resulting from aqueous processes that hint at past elements an world. Reports hydrated sodium chloride (hydrohalite) Occator crater suggested salts may result deep brines reached recently or currently, but spectral characteristics alkali halides make their identification difficult. However, anhydrous (halite) develops readily identifiable absorption features when exposed to radiation environment high energy particles. We report spectroscopic evidence, in form irradiation‐formed color centers, suggests halite is component bright Ceres. The spatial extent and inferred abundance are found be greater than previously reported for hydrohalite. These findings imply emplacement endogenic occurred via suite subsurface liquid water environments have persisted through time.