Distinctive impact craters are formed by organic rich cometary dust grains

Kearsley, A.T.; Burchell, M. J.; Price, M. C.; Green, S. F.; Franchi, I. A.; Bridges, J.; Starkey, N. and Cole, M. J. (2010). Distinctive impact craters are formed by organic rich cometary dust grains. In: 41st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 1-5 Mar 2010, Houston.

URL: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2010/

Abstract

Introduction: Preliminary Examination (PE) of the Stardust cometary collector revealed many tracks in the silica aerogel and impact craters on aluminium (Al) foil, from which Wild 2 dust particle fluence and size distribution were determined. Laboratory light gas gun (LGG) shots provided impactor size calibrations. Analogue impacts of diverse mineral compositions and aggregate particles aided
interpretation of dust composition and structure. We now describe our recent impact experiments on foil by organic materials, which reveal distinctive crater surface textures, and even preserved residue.

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• Item ORO ID
• 25289
• Item Type
• Conference or Workshop Item
• Academic Unit or School
• Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Physical Sciences
  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
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• © 2010 The authors
• Related URLs
• • http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc201...(Other)
• Depositing User
• Simon Green