Messenger, S.
and Walker, R.
(2008),
Possible Identification of Dust From Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann-3 Collected in the Stratosphere, Nature (Accessed May 10, 2026)
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Possible Identification of Dust From Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann-3 Collected in the Stratosphere
Published
Author(s)
, 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
Issues
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Created October 16, 2008