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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
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The composition of cometary ices
1LESIA, Observatoire de Paris, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 5 place Jules Janssen, 92195 Meudon, France dominique.bockelee@obspm.fr.
Summary
Cometary ice composition reveals early Solar System conditions. Reviewing molecular abundances from remote sensing shows diverse comet populations, linking them to star-forming regions.
Area of Science:
- Cometary science
- Astrochemistry
- Solar System formation
Background:
- Cometary ices offer insights into early Solar System conditions.
- Numerous molecules, including complex organic molecules, are found in cometary atmospheres.
- These organic molecules are also present in star-forming regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular abundances in cometary atmospheres.
- To discuss the diversity of composition across different comet populations.
- To connect cometary composition to Solar System evolution.
Main Methods:
- Remote sensing observations from ground-based telescopes.
- Remote sensing observations from space-based telescopes.
- Analysis of molecular abundances in cometary atmospheres.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive review of measured molecular abundances is presented.
- Significant diversity in cometary composition is observed.
- The findings support the role of comets in delivering organic material.
Conclusions:
- Cometary composition is a key indicator of early Solar System processes.
- The diversity in comets reflects variations in their formation environments.
- Further study of cometary molecules aids understanding of prebiotic chemistry.
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