Biology
Scientific paper
Mar 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004asbio...4..109j&link_type=abstract
Astrobiology, Volume 4, Issue 1, pp. 109-121.
Biology
8
Scientific paper
We report the discovery of the N2+ A-X Meinel band in the 780-840 nm meteor emission from two Leonid meteoroids that were ejected less than 1,000 years ago by comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Our analysis indicates that the N2+ molecule is at least an order of magnitude less abundant than expected, possibly as a result of charge transfer reactions with meteoric metal atoms. This new band was found while searching for rovibrational transitions in the X2Π electronic ground state of OH (the OH Meinel band), a potential tracer of water bound to minerals in cometary matter. The electronic A-X transition of OH has been identified in other Leonid meteors. We did not detect this OH Meinel band, which implies that the excited A state is not populated by thermal excitation but by a mechanism that directly produces OH in low vibrational levels of the excited A2Σ state. Ultraviolet dissociation of atmospheric or meteoric water vapor is such a mechanism, as is the possible combustion of meteoric organics.
Jenniskens Peter
Laux Christophe O.
No associations
LandOfFree
Search for the OH (X2Π) Meinel Band Emission in Meteors as a Tracer of Mineral Water in Comets: Detection of N2+ (A-X) does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Search for the OH (X2Π) Meinel Band Emission in Meteors as a Tracer of Mineral Water in Comets: Detection of N2+ (A-X), we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Search for the OH (X2Π) Meinel Band Emission in Meteors as a Tracer of Mineral Water in Comets: Detection of N2+ (A-X) will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1621807