High precision oxygen three‐isotope analyses of anhydrous chondritic interplanetary dust particles

Abstract– Oxygen three‐isotope ratios of three anhydrous chondritic interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) were analyzed using an ion microprobe with a 2 μm small beam. The three anhydrous IDPs show Δ¹⁷O values ranging from ?5‰ to +1‰, which overlap with those of ferromagnesian silicate particles from comet Wild 2 and anhydrous porous IDPs. For the first time, internal oxygen isotope heterogeneity was resolved in two IDPs at the level of a few per mil in Δ¹⁷O values. Anhydrous IDPs are loose aggregates of fine‐grained silicates (≤3 μm in this study), with only a few coarse‐grained silicates (2–20 μm in this study). On the other hand, Wild 2 particles analyzed so far show relatively coarse‐grained (≥ few μm) igneous textures. If anhydrous IDPs represent fine‐grained particles from comets, the similar Δ¹⁷O values between anhydrous IDPs and Wild 2 particles may imply that oxygen isotope ratios in cometary crystalline silicates are similar, independent of crystal sizes and their textures. The range of Δ¹⁷O values of the three anhydrous IDPs overlaps also with that of chondrules in carbonaceous chondrites, suggesting a genetic link between cometary dust particles (Wild 2 particles and most anhydrous IDPs) and carbonaceous chondrite chondrules.     

Comet Grains: Their IR Emission and Their Relation to ISm Grains

Comets and the chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles (CP IDPs) that they shed in their comae are reservoirs of primitive solar nebula materials. The high porosity and fragility of cometary grains and CP IDPs, and anomalously high deuterium contents of highly fragile, pyroxene-rich Cluster IDPs imply these aggregate particles contain significant abundances of grains from the interstellar medium (ISM). IR spectra of comets (3–40 μm) reveal the presence of a warm (near-IR) featureless emission modeled by amorphous carbon grains. Broad andnarrow resonances near 10 and 20 microns are modeled by warm chondritic (50% Feand 50% Mg) amorphous silicates and cooler Mg-rich crystalline silicate minerals, respectively. Cometary amorphous silicates resonances are well matched by IRspectra of CP IDPs dominated by GEMS (0.1 μm silicate spherules) that are thought to be the interstellar Fe-bearing amorphous silicates produced in AGB stars. Acid-etched ultramicrotomed CP IDP samples, however, show that both the carbon phase (amorphous and aliphatic) and the Mg-rich amorphous silicate phase in GEMS are not optically absorbing. Rather, it is Fe and FeS nanoparticles embedded in the GEMS that makes the CP IDPs dark. Therefore, CP IDPs suggest significant processing has occurred in the ISM. ISM processing probably includes in He⁺ ion bombardment in supernovae shocks. Laboratory experiments show He⁺ ion bombardment amorphizes crystalline silicates, increases porosity, and reduces Fe into nanoparticles. Cometary crystalline silicate resonances are well matched by IR spectra of laboratory submicron Mg-rich olivine crystals and pyroxene crystals. Discovery of a Mg-pure olivine crystal in a Cluster IDP with isotopically anomalous oxygen indicates that a small fraction of crystalline silicates may have survived their journey from AGB stars through the ISM to the early solar nebula. The ISM does not have enough crystalline silicates (<5%), however, to account for the deduced abundance of crystalline silicates in comet dust. An insufficient source of ISMMg-rich crystals leads to the inference that most Mg-rich crystals in comets are primitive grains processed in the early solar nebula prior to their incorporation into comets. Mg-rich crystals may condense in the hot (～1450 K), inner zones of the early solar nebula and then travel large radial distances out to the comet-forming zone. On the other hand, Mg-rich silicate crystals may be ISM amorphous silicates annealed at ～1000 K and radially distributed out to the comet-forming zone or annealed in nebular shocks at ～5-10 AU. Determining the relative abundance of amorphous and crystalline silicatesin comets probes the relative contributions of ISM grains and primitive grains to small, icy bodies in the solar system. The life cycle of dust from its stardust origins through the ISM to its incorporation into comets is discussed.     

A NanoSIMS and Raman spectroscopic comparison of interplanetary dust particles from comet Grigg‐Skjellerup and non‐Grigg Skjellerup collections

Abstract– Interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) are the most primitive extraterrestrial material available for laboratory studies and may, being likely of cometary origin, sample or represent the unaltered starting material of the solar system. Here we compare IDPs from a “targeted” collection, acquired when the Earth passed through the dust stream of comet 26P/Grigg‐Skjellerup (GSC), with IDPs from nontargeted collections (i.e., of nonspecific origin). We examine both sets to further our understanding of abundances and character of their isotopically anomalous phases to constrain the nature of their parent bodies. We identified ten presolar silicates, two oxides, one SiC, and three isotopically anomalous C‐rich grains. One of seven non‐GSC IDPs contains a wealth of unaltered nebula material, including two presolar silicates, one oxide, and one SiC, as well as numerous δD and δ¹⁵N hotspots, demonstrating its very pristine character and suggesting a cometary origin. One of these presolar silicates is the most ¹⁷O‐rich discovered in an IDP and has been identified as a possible GEMS (glass with embedded metal and sulfides). Organic matter in an anhydrous GSC IDP is extremely disordered and, based on Raman spectral analyses, appears to be the most primitive IDP analyzed in this study, albeit only one presolar silicate was identified. No defining difference was seen between the GSC and non‐GSC IDPs studied here. However, the GSC collectors are expected to contain IDPs of nonspecific origin. One measure alone, such as presolar grain abundances, isotopic anomalies, or Raman spectroscopy cannot distinguish targeted cometary from unspecified IDPs, and therefore combined studies are required. Whilst targeted IDP populations as a whole may not show distinguishable parameters from unspecified populations (due to statistics, heterogeneity, sampling bias, mixing from other cometary sources), particular IDPs in a targeted collection may well indicate special properties and a fresh origin from a known source.     

Expected characteristics of cometary meteorites

Abstract— Recent developments in our understanding of comets provide insights into the topic of cometary meteorites. These developments include the identification of comet-asteroid transition objects (such as 4015 Wilson-Harrington and 3200 Phaethon), information on the composition of cometary solids, and new ideas on the collisional history of Jupiter-family comets. In this work, we revisit this question, and we conclude that comets do indeed yield macroscopic meteorites, which either have not been found or have not been recognized. We also consider the expected characteristics of cometary meteorites, with an emphasis on those that may help identify and differentiate them from other types of meteorites. If cometary meteorites have preserved the main characteristics of cometary dust, the mineralogy would be dominated by highly unequilibrated anhydrous silicates, and the chemistry would be nearly chondritic but with a high abundance of C and N. On the other hand, if an unknown process produced extensive aqueous alteration in the material that formed cometary meteorites, they would resemble (or could even be) CI carbonaceous chondrites. We do not expect cometary meteorites to have chondrules. So far, no single meteorite looks unequivocally cometary. However, we have identified xenoliths in ordinary chondrite regolith breccias that meet most of our criteria for a cometary origin and deserve further study.     

Processing of cometary grains at the nucleus surface

Cometary material inevitably undergoes chemical changes before and on leaving the nucleus. In seeking to explain comets as the origin of many IDPs (interplanetary dust particles), an understanding of potential surface chemistry is vital. Grains are formed and transformed at the nucleus surface; much of the cometary volatiles may arise from the organic material. In cometary near-surface permafrost, one expects cryogenic chemistry with crystal growth and isotope. This could be the hydrous environment where IDPs form. Seasonal and geographic variations imply a range of environmental conditions and surface evolution. Interplanetary dust impacts and electrostatic forces also have roles in generating cometary dust. The absence of predicted cometary dust ‘envelopes’ is compatible with the wide range of particle structures and compositions. Study of IDPs would distinguish between this model and alternatives that see comets as aggregates of core-mantle grains built in interstellar clouds.     

Production,processing and characterization techniques for cosmic dust analogues

Abstract— The laboratory analyses of cosmic dust analogues—that in the context of this paper include interstellar, circumstellar as well as cometary dust—have a critical role in the study of circumstellar and cometary dust. The morphological, structural and chemical characterization of these analogues are critical for comparisons of their infrared and ultraviolet spectra with those obtained by astronomical observations, as well as for modeling purposes. Besides, the results from these laboratory studies are important to the success of space missions to comets when testing and calibrating the payload instruments. The interpretations of returned scientific data would benefit from the comparison with data recorded by the instruments in a laboratory setting for different classes of previously characterized analogues. We produced various types of condensed samples: (1) Mg,Fe‐silicates, (olivine, pyroxene), (2) carbon‐rich dust, and (3) mixed carbon‐silicate dust. The samples were prepared using different techniques, viz. (1) laser bombardment of solid targets in an Ar and O₂ atmosphere, (2) arc discharge in an Ar and H₂ atmosphere, and (3) grinding powders of natural minerals. We simulated various post‐condensation processes, such as thermal annealing, ultraviolet irradiation, ion bombardment and exposure to atomic hydrogen. These processes produced compound samples of a wide range of physico‐chemical properties. To identify their textures, morphologies, grain compositions and crystallographic properties we used electron microscopy and far‐ultraviolet to far‐infrared (millimeter range) spectroscopy.     

Processing of cometary grains at the nucleus surface

Cometary material inevitably undergoes chemical changes before and on leaving the nucleus. In seeking to explain comets as the origin of many IDPs (interplanetary dust particles), an understanding of potential surface chemistry is vital. Grains are formed and transformed at the nucleus surface; much of the cometary volatiles may arise from the organic material. In cometary near-surface permafrost, one expects cryogenic chemistry with crystal growth and isotope. This could be the hydrous environment where IDPs form. Seasonal and geographic variations imply a range of environmental conditions and surface evolution. Interplanetary dust impacts and electrostatic forces also have roles in generating cometary dust. The absence of predicted cometary dust envelopes is compatible with the wide range of particle structures and compositions. Study of IDPs would distinguish between this model and alternatives that see comets as aggregates of core-mantle grains built in interstellar clouds.     

Salts in two chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles

Abstract— Grain-by-grain analytical electron microscope analyses of two micrometeorites, or interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), of the chondritic porous subtype, show the presence of rare barite (BaSO₄) and magnesium carbonate, probably magnesite. Salt minerals in chondritic porous (CP) IDPs give evidence for in situ aqueous alteration in their parent bodies. The uniquely high barium content of CP IDP W7029^*C1 is consistent with barite precipitation from a mildly acidic (pH > ～5) aqueous fluid at temperatures below 417 K and low oxygen fugacity. The presence of magnesite in olivine-rich, anhydrous CP IDP W7010^*A2 is evidence that carbonate minerals occur in both the chondritic porous and chondritic smooth subtypes of chondritic IDPs. Citing Schramm et al. (1989) for putative asteroidal-type aqueous alteration in IDPs and probable sources of chondritic IDPs, salt minerals in CP IDPs could support low-temperature aqueous activity in nuclei of active short-period comets.     

Major element composition of stratospheric micrometeorites

Abstract— The elemental compositions of 200 interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) collected in the stratosphere have been determined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The results reasonably define the normal compositional range of chondritic interplanetary dust particles averaging 10 micrometers in size, and constitute a database for comparison with individual IDPs, meteorites, and spacecraft data from comets and asteroids. The average elemental composition of all IDPs analyzed is most similar to that of CI chondrites, but the data show that there are small yet discernable differences between mean IDP composition and the CI norm. Individual particles were classified into broad morphological groups, and the two major groups show unambiguous compositional differences. The “porous” group is a close match to bulk CI abundances, but the “smooth” group has systematic Ca and Mg depletions, and contains stoichiometric “excess” oxygen consistent with the presence of hydrous phases. Similar depletions of Ca and Mg in CI and CM matrix have been attributed to leaching, and by analogy we suggest that particles in the smooth group have also been processed by aqueous alteration. The occurrence of carbonates, magnetite framboids, and layer silicates provides additional evidence that at least a significant number of the smooth-class IDPs have been substantially processed by aqueous activity. The presence or absence of aqueous modification in members of a particle sub-class is an important clue to the origin. Although it cannot be proven, we hypothesize that extensive aqueous activity only occurs in asteroids and that, accordingly, the smooth class of IDPs has an asteroidal origin. If both comets and asteroids are major sources of interplanetary dust, then by default the porous particles are inferred to be dominated by cometary material.     

Reflectance spectroscopy of interplanetary dust particles

Abstract Reflectance spectra were collected from chondritic interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), a polar micrometeorite, Allende (CV3) meteorite matrix, and mineral standards using a microscope spectrophotometer. Data were acquired over the 380–1100 nm wavelength range in darkfield mode using a halogen light source, particle aperturing diaphrams, and photomultiplier tube (PMT) detectors. Spectra collected from titanium oxide (Ti₄O₇), magnetite (Fe₃O₄), and Allende matrix establish that it is possible to measure indigenous reflectivities of micrometer-sized (>5 μm in diameter) particles over the visible (VIS) wavelength range 450–800 nm. Below 450 nm, small particle effects cause a fall-off in signal into the ultraviolet (UV). Near-infrared (IR) spectra collected from olivine and pyroxene standards suggest that the ～1 μm absorption features of Fe-bearing silicates in IDPs can be detected using microscope spectrophotometry. Chondritic IDPs are dark objects (<15% reflectivity) over the VIS 450–800 nm range. Large (>1 μm in diameter) embedded and adhering single mineral grains make IDPs significantly brighter, while surficial magnetite formed by frictional heating during atmospheric entry makes them darker. Most chondritic smooth (CS) IDPs, dominated by hydrated layer silicates, exhibit generally flat spectra with slight fall-off towards 800 nm, which is similar to type CI and CM meteorites and main-belt C-type asteroids. Most chondritic porous (CP) IDPs, dominated by anhydrous silicates (pyroxene and olivine), exhibit generally flat spectra with a slight rise towards 800 nm, which is similar to outer P and D asteroids. The most C-rich CP IDPs rise steeply towards 800 nm with a redness comparable to that of the outer asteroid object Pholus (Binzel, 1992). Chondritic porous IDPs are the first identified class of meteoritic materials exhibiting spectral reflectivities (between 450 and 800 nm) similar to those of P and D asteroids. Although large mineral grains, secondary magnetite, and small particle effects complicate interpretation of IDP reflectance spectra, microscope spectrophotometry appears to offer a rapid, nondestructive technique for probing the mineralogy of IDPs, comparing them with meteorites, investigating their parent body origins, and identifying IDPs that may have been strongly heated during atmospheric entry.     

Infrared spectroscopy of interplanetary dust in the laboratory

Diagnostic infrared spectra of individual nanogram-sized interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) collected in the Earth's stratosphere have been obtained. A mount containing three crushed “chondritic” IDPs shows features near 1000 and 500 cm^?1, suggestive of crystalline pyroxene, and different from those of crystalline olivine, amorphous olivine, or meteoritic clay minerals. The structural diversity of chondritic IDPs and possible effects of atmospheric heating must be considered when comparing this spectrum with astrophysical spectra of interplanetary and cometary dust. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and infrared observations are also reported on one member of the rare subset of IDPs which resemble hydrated carbonaceous chondrite matrix material. The infrared spectrum of this particle between 4000 and 400 cm^?1 closely matches that of the C2 meteorite Murchison. TEM observations suggest that this class of particles might serve as a thermometer for the process of heating on atmospheric entry.     

Dust in cometary comae: Present understanding of the structure and composition of dust particles

In situ probing of a very few cometary comae has shown that dust particles present a low albedo and a low density, and that they consist of both rocky material and refractory organics. Remote observations of solar light scattered by cometary dust provide information on the properties of dust particles in the coma of a larger set of comets. The observations of the linear polarization in the coma indicate that the dust particles are irregular, with a size greater (on the average) than about 1 μm. Besides, they suggest, through numerical and experimental simulations, that both compact grains and fluffy aggregates (with a power law of the size distribution in the −2.6 to −3 range), and both rather transparent silicates and absorbing organics are present in the coma. Recent analysis of the cometary dust samples collected by the Stardust mission provide a unique ground truth and confirm, for comet 81P/Wild 2, the results from remote sensing observations. Future space missions to comets should, in the next decade, lead to a more precise characterization of the structure and composition of cometary dust particles.     

Cosmogenic production rates and recoil loss effects in micrometeorites and interplanetary dust particles

We present a purely physical model to determine cosmogenic production rates for noble gases and radionuclides in micrometeorites (MMs) and interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) by solar cosmic‐rays (SCR) and galactic cosmic‐rays (GCR) fully considering recoil loss effects. Our model is based on various nuclear model codes to calculate recoil cross sections, recoil ranges, and finally the percentages of the cosmogenic nuclides that are lost as a function of grain size, chemical composition of the grain, and the spectral distribution of the projectiles. The main advantage of our new model compared with earlier approaches is that we consider the entire SCR particle spectrum up to 240 MeV and not only single energy points. Recoil losses for GCR‐produced nuclides are assumed to be equal to recoil losses for SCR‐produced nuclides. Combining the model predictions with Poynting‐Robertson orbital lifetimes, we calculate cosmic‐ray exposure ages for recently studied MMs, cosmic spherules, and IDPs. The ages for MMs and the cosmic‐spherule are in the range <2.2–233 Ma, which corresponds, according to the Poynting‐Robertson drag, to orbital distances in the range 4.0–34 AU. For two IDPs, we determine exposure ages of longer than 900 Ma, which corresponds to orbital distances larger than 150 AU. The orbital distance in the range 4–6 AU for one MM and the cosmic spherule indicate an origin either in the asteroid belt or release from comets coming either from the Kuiper Belt or the Oort Cloud. Three of the studied MMs have orbital distances in the range 23–34 AU, clearly indicating a cometary origin, either from short‐period comets from the Kuiper Belt or from the Oort Cloud. The two IDPs have orbital distances of more than 150 AU, indicating an origin from Oort Cloud comets.     

Structure and density of cometary nuclei

Abstract— Understanding the nature of the cometary nucleus remains one of the major problems in solar system science. Whipple's (1950) icy conglomerate model has been very successful at explaining a range of cometary phenomena, including the source of cometary activity and the nongravitational orbital motion of the nuclei. However, the internal structure of the nuclei is still largely unknown. We review herein the evidence for cometary nuclei as fluffy aggregates or primordial rubble piles, as first proposed by Donn et al. (1985) and Weissman (1986). These models assume that cometary nuclei are weakly bonded aggregations of smaller, icy‐conglomerate planetesimals, possibly held together only by self‐gravity. Evidence for this model comes from studies of the accretion and subsequent evolution of material in the solar nebula, from observations of disrupted comets, and in particular comet Shoemaker‐Levy 9, from measurements of the ensemble rotational properties of observed cometary nuclei, and from recent spacecraft missions to comets. Although the evidence for rubble pile nuclei is growing, the eventual answer to this question will likely not come until we can place a spacecraft in orbit around a cometary nucleus and study it in detail over many months to years. ESA's Rosetta mission, now en route to comet 67P/Churyumov‐Gerasimenko, will provide that opportunity.     

Dynamics of high‐temperature materials delivered by jets to the outer solar nebula

Abstract— The presence of high‐temperature materials in the Stardust collection that are isotopically similar to those seen in chondritic meteorites argues for the outward transport of materials from the hot, inner region of the solar nebula to the region where comets formed. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to be responsible for this transport, with a number of models being developed to show that such outward transport is possible. However, these models have not examined in detail how these grains are transported after they have been delivered to the comet formation region or how they may be distributed in the cometary nuclei that form. Here, the dynamical evolution of crystalline silicates injected onto the surface of the solar nebula as proposed by jet models for radial transport is considered. It is generally found that crystalline grains should be heterogeneously distributed within the population of comets and within individual cometary nuclei. In order to achieve a homogeneous distribution of such grains, turbulence must be effective at mixing the crystalline silicates with native, amorphous grains on fine scales. However, this turbulent mixing would serve to dilute the crystalline silicates as it would redistribute them over large radial distances. These results suggest that it is difficult to infer the bulk properties of Wild 2 from the Stardust samples, and that the abundance of crystalline grains in these samples cannot alone be used to rule out or in favor of any of the different radial transport models that have been proposed.     

A NanoSIMS and Auger Nanoprobe investigation of an isotopically primitive interplanetary dust particle from the 55P/Tempel‐Tuttle targeted stratospheric dust collector

Abstract– An IDP nicknamed Andric, from a stratospheric dust collector targeted to collect dust from comet 55P/Tempel‐Tuttle, contains five distinct presolar silicate and/or oxide grains in 14 ultramicrotome slices analyzed, for an estimated abundance of approximately 700 ppm in this IDP. Three of the grains are ¹⁷O‐enriched and probably formed in low‐mass red giant or asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars; the other two grains exhibit ¹⁸O enrichments and may have a supernova origin. Carbon and N isotopic analyses show that Andric also exhibits significant variations in its N isotopic composition, with numerous discrete ¹⁵N‐rich hotspots and more diffuse regions that are also isotopically anomalous. Three ¹⁵N‐rich hotspots also have statistically significant ¹³C enrichments. Auger elemental analysis shows that these isotopically anomalous areas consist largely of carbonaceous matter and that the anomalies may be hosted by a variety of components. In addition, there is evidence for dilution of the isotopically heavy components with an isotopically normal endmember; this may have occurred either as a result of extraterrestrial alteration or during atmospheric entry. Isotopically primitive IDPs such as Andric share many characteristics with primitive meteorites such as the CR chondrites, which also contain isotopically anomalous carbonaceous matter and abundant presolar silicate and oxide grains. Although comets are one likely source for the origin of primitive IDPs, the presence of similar characteristics in meteorites thought to come from the asteroid belt suggests that other origins are also possible. Indeed the distinction between cometary and asteroidal sources is somewhat blurred by recent observations of icy comet‐like planetesimals in the outer asteroid belt.     

Comparison of GEMS in interplanetary dust particles and GEMS‐like objects in a Stardust impact track in aerogel

Comet 81P/Wild 2 dust, the first comet sample of known provenance, was widely expected to resemble anhydrous chondritic porous (CP) interplanetary dust particles (IDPs). GEMS, distinctly characteristic of CP IDPs, have yet to be unambiguously identified in the Stardust mission samples despite claims of likely candidates. One such candidate is Stardust impact track 57 “Febo” in aerogel, which contains fine‐grained objects texturally and compositionally similar to GEMS. Their position adjacent the terminal particle suggests that they may be indigenous, fine‐grained, cometary material, like that in CP IDPs, shielded by the terminal particle from damage during deceleration from hypervelocity. Dark‐field imaging and multidetector energy‐dispersive X‐ray mapping were used to compare GEMS‐like‐objects in the Febo terminal particle with GEMS in an anhydrous, chondritic IDP. GEMS in the IDP are within 3× CI (solar) abundances for major and minor elements. In the Febo GEMS‐like objects, Mg and Ca are systematically and strongly depleted relative to CI; S and Fe are somewhat enriched; and Au, a known aerogel contaminant, is present, consistent with ablation, melting, abrasion, and mixing of the SiO_x aerogel with crystalline Fe‐sulfide and minor enstatite, high‐Ni sulfide, and augite identified by elemental mapping in the terminal particle. Thus, GEMS‐like objects in “caches” of fine‐grained debris abutting terminal particles are most likely deceleration debris packed in place during particle transit through the aerogel.     

Comprehensive examination of large mineral and rock fragments in Stardust tracks: Mineralogy,analogous extraterrestrial materials,and source regions

Abstract– Transmission electron microscopy examination of 87 large fragments from 16 carrot‐shaped and bulbous Stardust (SD) tracks was performed to study the range and diversity of materials present in comet Wild 2. Olivines and low‐Ca pyroxenes represent the largest proportions of fragments observed; however, a wide range of minerals and rocks were found including probable ferromagnesian, Al‐rich and Si‐rich chondrule fragments, a refractory inclusion, possible matrix mineral/lithic clasts, and probable condensate minerals. These materials, combined with fine‐grained components in the tracks, are analogous to components in unequilibrated chondrite meteorites and cluster interplanetary dust particles (IDPs). Two unusual lithologies in the bulbous tracks are only observed in chondritic porous IDPs and may have direct links to IDPs. The absence of phyllosilicates indicates that comet Wild 2 may be a “dry” comet that did not accrete or form significant amounts of hydrated phases. Some large mineral fragments in the SD tracks are analogous to large mineral IDPs. The large variations of the coarse‐grained components within and between all 16 tracks show that comet Wild 2 is mineralogically diverse and unequilibrated on nearly all scales and must have accreted materials from diverse source regions that were widely dispersed throughout the solar nebula.     

Mineralogy,chemistry, and oxygen isotopes of refractory inclusions from stratospheric interplanetary dust particles and micrometeorites

Abstract— Calcium, aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) are characteristic components in carbonaceous chondrites. Their mineralogy is dominated by refractory oxides and silicates like corundum, perovskite, spinel, hibonite, melilite, and Ca-pyroxene, which are predicted to be the first phases to have condensed from the cooling solar nebula. Allowing insights into processes occurring in the early solar system, CAIs in carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites were studied in great detail, whereas only a few refractory inclusions were found and studied in stratospheric interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) and micrometeorites. This study gives a summary of all previous studies on refractory inclusions in stratospheric IDPs and micrometeorites and will present new data on two Antarctic micrometeorites. The main results are summarized as follows: (a) Eight stratospheric IDPs and six micrometeorites contain Ca, Al-rich inclusions or refractory minerals. The constituent minerals include spinel, perovskite, fassaite, hibonite, melilite, corundum, diopside and anorthite. (b) Four of the seven obtained rare-earth-element (REE) patterns from refractory objects in stratospheric IDPs and micrometeorites are related to Group III patterns known from refractory inclusions from carbonaceous chondrites. A Group II related pattern was found for spinel and perovskite in two micrometeorites. The seventh REE pattern for an orthopyroxene is unique and can be explained by fractionation of Gd, Lu, and Tb at highly reducing conditions. (c) The O-isotopic compositions of most refractory objects in stratospheric IDPs and micrometeorites are similar to those of constituents from carbonaceous chondrites and fall on the carbonaceous chondrites anhydrous minerals mixing line. In fact, in most cases, in terms of mineralogy, REE pattern and O-isotopic composition of refractory inclusions in stratospheric IDPs and micrometeorites are in good agreement with a suggested genetic relation of dust particles and carbonaceous chondrites. Only in the case of one Antarctic micrometeorite does the REE pattern obtained for an orthopyroxene point to a link of this particle to enstatite chondrites.     

The influence of the nucleus shape on the maximum size of grains ejected from a comet by gentle sublimation and jet‐like features

This paper deals with obtaining the maximum size of cometary grains ejected from nuclei of different shapes. Two mechanisms in terms of grain ejection from comets are taken into consideration. The first one is dragging of particles by outflowing gas molecules released by gentle sublimation from the comets. The second one is related with gas jets from the cavities in a nucleus by cometary jet‐like phenomena. We focused on ellipsoidal shapes of cometary nuclei but with different flattening. Calculations have been carried out for a large range of cometary parameters. It has been shown that for fixed mass of the nucleus the maximum size of grains is an increasing function of the nucleus flattening. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)