Infrared Spectrocopy of Comet 81P/Wild 2 Samples Returned by Stardust

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 2005 · Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1135796· OSTI ID:929825

Keller, L; Bajt, S; Baratta, G; Borg, J; Bradley, J; Brownlee, D; Busemann, H; Brucato, J; Burchell, M

Infrared spectra of material captured from comet 81P/Wild 2 by the Stardust spacecraft reveal indigenous aliphatic hydrocarbons similar to those in interplanetary dust particles thought to be derived from comets, but with longer chain lengths than those observed in the diffuse interstellar medium. Similarly, the Stardust samples contain abundant amorphous silicates in addition to crystalline silicates such as olivine and pyroxene. The presence of crystalline silicates in Wild 2 is consistent with mixing of solar system and interstellar matter. No hydrous silicates or carbonate minerals were detected, which suggests a lack of aqueous processing of Wild 2 dust.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) National Synchrotron Light Source
• Sponsoring Organization: Doe - Office Of Science
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-98CH10886
• OSTI ID: 929825
• Report Number(s): BNL--80382-2008-JA
• Journal Information: Science, Journal Name: Science Vol. 314; ISSN 0193-4511; ISSN SCEHDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
COMETS
DUSTS
HYDROCARBONS
INFRARED SPECTRA
SAMPLING
SILICATES
SOLAR SYSTEM
national synchrotron light source