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PUBLICATIONS

Possible Identification of Dust From Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann-3 Collected in the Stratosphere

Published

Author(s)

S R. Messenger, R M. Walker

Abstract

In this paper, we derive constraints on the pre-Earth-encounter orbits and space exposure ages for the set of interplanetary dust particles collected in the stratosphere in June-July 1991. The inferred orbital characteristics are only satisfied by one comet: Schwassmann-Wachmann-3. Laboratory analyses of these particles offer direct, independent support for predicted properties of cometary matter including: weak physical structure, high volatile-element contents, and high abundances of preserved presolar materials.
Citation
Nature
Pub Type
Journals

Keywords

comets, Interplanetary dust, isotopic anomalies, orbital modeling

Citation

Messenger, S. and Walker, R. (2008), Possible Identification of Dust From Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann-3 Collected in the Stratosphere, Nature (Accessed October 21, 2025)

Issues

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Created October 16, 2008
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