Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Apr 1990
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1990nascp3061...21b&link_type=abstract
In NASA, Ames Research Center, Carbon in the Galaxy: Studies from Earth and Space p 21-25 (SEE N90-27562 21-88)
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Carbon, Comet Nuclei, Cometary Atmospheres, Halley'S Comet, Interplanetary Dust, Meteorites, Meteoritic Composition, Mineralogy, Astronomy, Collection, Density Distribution, European Space Agency, Grain Size, Identifying, Isotopes, Microparticles, Mission Planning, Scattering, Size Distribution
Scientific paper
The association of Halley particle results with data from existing meteoritic materials that can be analyzed in the laboratory is discussed. Comet samples must exist in present collections of meteoritic materials and the Halley results provide clues for identifying them. Although it is not presently possible to positively identify cometary meteorites or cometary interplanetary dust (IDP) samples, it is possible to determine which materials are similar to Halley dust and which ones are distinctly unlike Halley. The properties of these existing Halley-compatible samples provide insight into the possible properties of cometary material. Positive identification of meteoritic comet samples or direct samples returned from a comet nucleus would of course revolutionize our ability to study carbonaceous matter in comets. Modern analytical techniques are very powerful and it is possible to perform elemental, chemical, mineralogical and even limited isotopic analysis on micron-size particles. There is an important synergism between the laboratory studies of collected samples and astronomical data from comets and interstellar grains. To fully interpret results there must be convincing methods for associating a particular class or classes of meteoritic material with comets. Ultimately this will be done by direct comet sample return such as the Rosetta mission under development by ESA. At the present time the only links that can be made involve comparison with sample properties and measurable properties of comets. Unfortunately there is at present no known unique property of cometary dust that allows its absolute identification in the laboratory. The results from Halley encounters and observation do provide much new information on cometary grains. The Halley grain compositions, density, size distribution and scattering properties all provide a basis for future investigations. Other Halley properties such as the presence of polyoxymethylene and the 3.4um emission feature could play key roles for making convincing links in the future.
No associations
LandOfFree
Carbon in comet dust 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 Carbon in comet dust, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Carbon in comet dust will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1382385