Nitrogen and Noble Gas Content in Solar Wind Samples from the Genesis Spacecraft
Location
CSU 201
Start Date
25-4-2006 10:30 AM
End Date
25-4-2006 12:00 PM
Student's Major
Physics and Astronomy
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Russell Palma
Mentor's Department
Physics and Astronomy
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Knowledge of the composition of the solar nebula is necessary in understanding how the solar system was formed. It is believed that the original composition of the solar nebula has been preserved in the outer layers of the sun, which is constantly being blown off in the form of solar wind. The collection and compositional analysis of the solar wind was the goal of NASA's Genesis Mission. In the current study, pieces of the spacecraft's gold foil collector were analyzed for nitrogen and noble gas (helium, neon and argon) isotopes. After the sample's gas was released, isotopic compositions were measured with a high-sensitivity mass spectrometer. Noble gas contents were determined by releasing the trapped gases from the foil through stepwise heating. A new mercury amalgamation process was used to release nitrogen from the foil. Some data obtained by these methods were inconsistent with results found in previous studies. The development of new measurement techniques and/or changes in the current ones may be needed in order to obtain precise and reproducible results that are adequate for modeling solar system evolution.
Nitrogen and Noble Gas Content in Solar Wind Samples from the Genesis Spacecraft
CSU 201
Knowledge of the composition of the solar nebula is necessary in understanding how the solar system was formed. It is believed that the original composition of the solar nebula has been preserved in the outer layers of the sun, which is constantly being blown off in the form of solar wind. The collection and compositional analysis of the solar wind was the goal of NASA's Genesis Mission. In the current study, pieces of the spacecraft's gold foil collector were analyzed for nitrogen and noble gas (helium, neon and argon) isotopes. After the sample's gas was released, isotopic compositions were measured with a high-sensitivity mass spectrometer. Noble gas contents were determined by releasing the trapped gases from the foil through stepwise heating. A new mercury amalgamation process was used to release nitrogen from the foil. Some data obtained by these methods were inconsistent with results found in previous studies. The development of new measurement techniques and/or changes in the current ones may be needed in order to obtain precise and reproducible results that are adequate for modeling solar system evolution.
Recommended Citation
Simones, Jacob. "Nitrogen and Noble Gas Content in Solar Wind Samples from the Genesis Spacecraft." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 25, 2006.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2006/oral-session-M/5
