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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths

Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths

Published on: July 1, 2019

Solar composition from the Genesis Discovery Mission.

D S Burnett¹, Genesis Science Team

¹Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA. burnett@gps.caltech.edu

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|May 11, 2011

Summary

The Genesis Mission returned solar samples, revealing unique oxygen, nitrogen, and noble gas isotopic compositions. These findings, analyzed with advanced instruments, offer crucial insights into solar system origins and planetary comparisons.

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Area of Science:

Planetary Science
Cosmochemistry
Astrobiology

Background:

Understanding the Sun's isotopic composition is key to deciphering solar system formation and evolution.
Previous solar wind data from lunar samples had discrepancies, particularly for noble gases.
Sample return missions offer unparalleled opportunities for in-situ laboratory analysis of extraterrestrial materials.

Purpose of the Study:

To leverage the Genesis Mission's returned solar samples for precise isotopic analysis.
To resolve discrepancies in noble gas measurements from previous solar wind studies.
To compare solar isotopic compositions with other solar system bodies and planetary atmospheres.

Main Methods:

Analysis of returned solar wind samples using advanced terrestrial laboratory instrumentation.
Application of specialized analytical instruments developed for the Genesis Mission.
Replication of key isotopic measurements (Nitrogen) across multiple independent instruments.

Main Results:

Determined distinct isotopic compositions for Oxygen, Nitrogen, and noble gases in the Sun compared to inner solar system objects.
Established that the Sun's Nitrogen isotopic composition matches that of Jupiter.
Resolved prior discrepancies in noble gas data obtained from solar wind implanted in lunar soils.

Conclusions:

Genesis Mission sample return significantly advanced our understanding of solar system isotopic heterogeneity.
The mission demonstrated the critical value of terrestrial laboratory analysis for unobtainable scientific results.
Nitrogen isotope findings provide a crucial link between solar composition and gas giant atmospheres.