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Origin of the hydrocarbon component of interplanetary dust particlesUsing experiments as a basis, we have developed a scenario for the origin of the hydrocarbon material of carbonaceous chondrites. This scenario can also serve as an explanation for the origin of the hydrocarbon component of interplanetary dust particles (IDP's). The formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules in the atmospheres of C stars undergoing a late stage of stellar evolution is indicated by the observed unidentified infrared (UIR) emission bands. Those molecules are then transported through interstellar space where they become enriched with D through ion molecule reactions when passing through cold, dark clouds. Many of those PAH molecules are subsequently hydrogenated and cracked in a H-dominated plasma such as would have occurred in the solar nebula. The resulting mixture of alkanes and residual D-rich PAH molecules was then incorporated into the mineral fraction of the parent bodies of carbonaceous chondrites and IDP's.
Document ID
19950004555
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wdowiak, Thomas J.
(Alabama Univ. Birmingham, AL, United States)
Lee, Wei
(Alabama Univ. Birmingham, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Inst., Workshop on the Analysis of Interplanetary Dust Particles
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
95N10968
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-749
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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