Compositional trends in rock-forming elements of comet Halley dust

Science. 1992 Oct 9:258:266-9. doi: 10.1126/science.11538058.

Abstract

The VEGA 1 and 2 spacecraft flew by comet P/Halley in 1986 carrying, among other instruments, two mass spectrometers to measure the elemental composition of dust particles emitted from the comet. Most particles seem to be a mixture of silicates of variable magnesium-iron composition and organic matter. Comprehensive study of data and consideration of the mass of dust particles reveal cometary grains of "unusual" composition: magnesium-rich and iron-rich particles. Magnesium-rich particles are most likely magnesium carbonates, which could not have formed under conditions of equilibrium condensation but rather require formation by aqueous alteration. The composition of the iron-rich particles can also be related to secondary processes in the comet.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Dust / analysis*
  • Iron / analysis*
  • Magnesium / analysis
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Silicates / analysis*
  • Solar System*
  • Spacecraft / instrumentation

Substances

  • Dust
  • Silicates
  • magnesium carbonate
  • Iron
  • Magnesium