Spectral identification of pyroclastic deposits on Mercury with MASCS/MESSENGER data

The pyroclastic deposits on Mercury are proof of explosive volcanism that occurred the innermost planet Solar System; usually characterized by a central pit (vent) surrounded spectrally bright and red deposit (facula). were mainly identified analysing images acquired from MDIS onboard MESSENGER mission, which revealed about 200 deposits. In this work, we focus identification applying spectral conditions radiometrically photometrically corrected data MASCS spectrometer spacecraft. addition, to further optimize quality used spectra, dataset was limited additional filters observing detector temperature. We selected 8 deposits, out 25 recognized IAU, as training field, area using four parameters, i.e. reflectance slopes. defined range variability parameters able distinguish Average Terrain, filtered set conditions. As result, 52 previously 16 new potential candidates across portion Mercury's surface observed MASCS. method also exposed extended areas such High-Reflectance Red Plains (HRP) in Asparangi Planitia, Borealis floor Rembrandt crater, addition Intermediate Terrains (IT) (IP). Nathair Facula, Agwo Abeeso Facula an unnamed facula termed “Facula 5” show redder UV slope than most possibly associated with fine regolith and/or minor amount Fe or C-phases minerals composing facula. Among areas, 6 strongly suggest nature connected could be considered