Compositional trends in rock-forming elements of comet Halley dust
M N Fomenkova1, J F Kerridge, K Marti
1Space Research Institute, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 9, 1992
Summary
Cometary dust particles from comet P/Halley show unusual compositions, including magnesium-rich and iron-rich grains. These findings suggest formation through aqueous alteration and secondary processes, not just equilibrium condensation.
Area of Science:
- Cosmic dust analysis
- Cometary science
- Astrochemistry
Background:
- Comet P/Halley dust composition is key to understanding solar system formation.
- Previous missions provided limited elemental composition data for cometary dust.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze elemental composition of dust particles from comet P/Halley.
- Investigate the origin and formation processes of unusual cometary grains.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mass spectrometers aboard the VEGA 1 and 2 spacecraft.
- Analyzed elemental composition and mass of dust particles.
Main Results:
- Identified cometary dust particles with unusual magnesium-rich and iron-rich compositions.
- Most particles were a mix of silicates and organic matter.
- Magnesium-rich particles likely represent magnesium carbonates.
Conclusions:
- Cometary dust formation involves processes beyond equilibrium condensation, such as aqueous alteration.
- Secondary processes play a significant role in shaping cometary grain composition.
- Findings offer insights into the early solar system's chemical environment.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Conditions on Early Earth
Around 4 billion years ago, oceans began to condense on earth while volcanic eruptions released nitrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen into the primordial atmosphere. However, organisms with the characteristics of life were not initially present on earth. Scientists have used experimentation to determine how organisms evolved that could grow, reproduce, and maintain an internal environment.
03:35Classifying Matter by Composition
Matter: Pure Substances and Mixtures
According to its composition, the matter can be classified into two broad categories — pure substances and mixtures.
A pure substance is a form of matter that has a constant composition throughout with uniform properties. For example, any sample of sucrose has the same composition and same physical properties, such as melting point, color, and sweetness, regardless of the source from which it is isolated.
A mixture is composed of two or more types of...
According to its composition, the matter can be classified into two broad categories — pure substances and mixtures.
A pure substance is a form of matter that has a constant composition throughout with uniform properties. For example, any sample of sucrose has the same composition and same physical properties, such as melting point, color, and sweetness, regardless of the source from which it is isolated.
A mixture is composed of two or more types of...
02:31Elements: Chemical Symbols and Isotopes
A chemical symbol is an abbreviation used to indicate an element or an atom of an element. For example, the symbol for mercury is Hg. The same symbol is used to indicate one atom of mercury (microscopic domain) or to label a container of many atoms of the element mercury (macroscopic domain).
Some symbols are derived from the common English name of the element; others are abbreviations of the name in another language — Latin, Greek or German. For example, the symbol for aluminum (common name)...
Some symbols are derived from the common English name of the element; others are abbreviations of the name in another language — Latin, Greek or German. For example, the symbol for aluminum (common name)...
02:54Classification of Elements and Compounds
Pure substances consist of only one type of matter. A pure substance can be an element or a compound. An element consists of only one type of atom, while a compound consists of two or more types of atoms held together by a chemical bond. Elements are classified as atomic or molecular based on the nature of their basic units.
Compounds are pure substances composed of two or more elements in fixed, definite proportions. Compounds are classified as ionic or molecular (covalent) based on the bonds...
Compounds are pure substances composed of two or more elements in fixed, definite proportions. Compounds are classified as ionic or molecular (covalent) based on the bonds...
02:06Conditions on Early Earth
Around 4 billion years ago, oceans began to condense on earth while volcanic eruptions released nitrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen into the primordial atmosphere. However, organisms with the characteristics of life were not initially present on earth. Scientists have used experimentation to determine how organisms evolved that could grow, reproduce, and maintain an internal environment.
01:30Types of Building Stone
Building stones, essential materials for construction, are extracted from natural rock deposits and processed into specific forms and dimensions suitable for various building applications. These stones are broadly classified into three types based on their geological formation: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of magma or lava. An example is granite, known for its durability and resistance to weathering, making it ideal for parts of...
Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of magma or lava. An example is granite, known for its durability and resistance to weathering, making it ideal for parts of...