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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Spectroscopic evidence for interstellar ices in comet Hyakutake
W M Irvine1, D Bockelee-Morvan, D C Lis
1Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA. irvine@fcrao1.phast.umass.edu
Nature
|October 3, 1996
Summary
Comet Hyakutake contains hydrogen isocyanide (HNC) in abundances similar to interstellar clouds. This suggests comets may preserve pristine interstellar gases, offering insights into early Solar System conditions and the origin of life.
Area of Science:
- Astrochemistry
- Cometary Science
- Planetary Science
Background:
- Comets are pristine remnants from Solar System formation, holding clues to early conditions.
- Comets may have delivered volatiles and organic compounds crucial for life's origin on Earth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and analyze volatile compounds in comet Hyakutake.
- To investigate the origin of cometary materials and their implications for Solar System evolution.
Main Methods:
- Detection of hydrogen isocyanide (HNC) in comet Hyakutake.
- Comparison of HNC to hydrogen cyanide (HCN) abundance ratios.
Main Results:
- HNC abundance relative to HCN in comet Hyakutake matches interstellar molecular clouds.
- This ratio deviates significantly from equilibrium predictions for the outer solar nebula.
Conclusions:
- Cometary nuclei may incorporate pristine interstellar gases, potentially as ices on grains.
- Results constrain the temperature and chemical processing in the region of comet formation.
- This provides insights into the delivery of volatiles and organic molecules to terrestrial planets.
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