Helium and Neon Abundances and Compositions in Cometary Matter

Authors

Bernard Marty, Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques
Russel L. Palma, Minnesota State University - MankatoFollow
Robert O. Pepin, University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesFollow
Laurent Zimmermann, Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques
Dennis J. Schlutter, University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesFollow
Peter G. Burnard, Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques
Andrew Westphal, University of California - BerkeleyFollow
Christopher J. Snead, University of California - Berkeley
Sasa Bajt, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Richard H. Becker, University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesFollow
Jacob E. Simones, Minnesota State University, MankatoFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-4-2008

Abstract

Materials trapped and preserved in comets date from the earliest history of the solar system. Particles captured by the Stardust spacecraft from comet 81P/Wild 2 are indisputable cometary matter available for laboratory study. Here we report measurements of noble gases in Stardust material. Neon isotope ratios are within the range observed in “phase Q,” a ubiquitous, primitive organic carrier of noble gases in meteorites. Helium displays ³He/⁴He ratios twice those in phase Q and in Jupiter's atmosphere. Abundances per gram are surprisingly large, suggesting implantation by ion irradiation. The gases are probably carried in high-temperature igneous grains similar to particles found in other Stardust studies. Collectively, the evidence points to gas acquisition in a hot, high ion-flux nebular environment close to the young Sun.

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Publication Title

Science

Recommended Citation

B. Marty, R.L. Palma, R.O. Pepin, L. Zimmermann, D.J. Schlutter, P.G. Burnard A.J. Westphal, C.J. Snead, S. Bajt, R.H. Becker and J.E Simones, 2008. Helium and Neon Abundances and Compositions in Cometary Matter. Science 319 (5859), 75-78.

DOI

10.1126/science.1148001

Link to Publisher Version (DOI)

http://doi.org/10.1126/science.1148001

Publisher's Copyright and Source

Copyright © 2008 American Association for the Advancement of Science. Article published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Science, volume 319, issue number 5859, January 4, 2008, pages 75-78. Available online: http://doi.org/10.1126/science.1148001.