|
Infrared spectroscopy of comet 81P/Wild 2
samples returned by Stardust.
Keller L. P., Bajt S., Baratta G. A., Borg J., Bradley J.
P., Brownlee D. E., Busemann H., Brucato J. R., Burchell M.,
Colangeli L., d'Hendecourt L., Djouadi Z., Ferrini G., Flynn
G., Franchi I. A., Fries M., Grady M. M., Graham G. A.,
Grossemy F., Kearsley A., Matrajt G., Nakamura-Messenger K.,
Mennella V., Nittler L., Palumbo M. E., Stadermann F. J.,
Tsou P., Rotundi A., Sandford S. A., Snead C., Steele A.,
Wooden D., and Zolensky M. (2006)
Science 314, 1728-1731.
doi:10.1126/science.1135796
ABSTRACT
Infrared spectra of material captured from comet 81P/Wild
2 by the Stardust spacecraft reveal indigenous aliphatic
hydrocarbons similar to those in interplanetary dust
particles thought to be derived from comets, but with longer
chain lengths than those observed in the diffuse
interstellar medium. Similarly, the Stardust samples contain
abundant amorphous silicates in addition to crystalline
silicates such as olivine and pyroxene. The presence of
crystalline silicates in Wild 2 is consistent with mixing of
solar system and interstellar matter. No hydrous silicates
or carbonate minerals were detected, which suggests a lack
of aqueous processing of Wild 2 dust.
|