The solar system/interstellar medium connection - Gas phase abundancesGas-phase abundances in the outer solar system are presented as diagnostics of the interstellar medium at the time of the solar system formation, some 4.55 billion years ago. Possible influences of the thermal and chemical histories of the primitive solar nebula and of the processes which led to the formation and evolution of the outer planets and comets on the elemental and molecular composition of the primordial matter are outlined. The major components of the atmospheres of the outer planets and of the comae of comets are identified, and the cosmogonical and cosmological implications are discussed.
Document ID
19880027299
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lutz, Barry L. (Lowell Observatory Flagstaff, AZ, United States)