Isotopic composition of solar flare noble-gases
Existing spacecraft measurements of the isotopic composition of solar flare neon are compared with neon isotopic data from gas-rich meteorites and lunar samples. Previous discussions of the lunar data have yielded apparently conficting determinations of the isotopic composition of solar flare neon in lunar samples. However, it is shown here that the meteorite and lunar data do yield a consistent estimate of the isotopic composition of approx.1 MeV/n solar flare neon; 10.3< or approx. =/sup 20/Ne//sup 22/Ne< or approx. =11.1, in agreement with the composition of neon C (Black) which was attributed to solar flare neon. In contrast, spacecraft data yield a lower /sup 20/Ne//sup 22/Ne ratio (7.7 +- 2). Possible resolutions of this difference are discussed, and future experiments are suggested. Evidence concerning the isotopic composition of solar flare helium, argon, as well as of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and magnesium are also reviewed.
- OSTI ID:
- 5940272
- Journal Information:
- Astrophys. J.; (United States), Vol. 266:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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