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Laboratory Simulations: The Primordial Comet MantleLaboratory data are needed to understand the formation of organics in cometary and precometary materials and for deciding on the fate of the volatiles. Appropriate experiments were described in the talk at Milipitas. Because of its importance for the comet sample return mission, I discuss here the relevance of this data for predicting the thickness, nature, and ability to survive of the cosmic-ray produced primordial comet mantle ('crust'). That part of the mantle which becomes predominantly refractory is approx. 30 gm/sq cm thick. The tensile strength of this outer mantle is such that it might survive the comet's entrance into the inner solar system. In addition, important modifications to the ices occur to depths approx. 300 gm/cu cm. Based on this it is expected that a deep probe is needed to obtain minimally altered material.
Document ID
19980218981
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Johnson, R. E.
(Virginia Univ. Charlottesville, VA United States)
Date Acquired
August 18, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1997
Publication Information
Publication: Analysis of Returned Comet Nucleus Samples
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGw-186
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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