Dynamic crystallization experiments on chondrule melts in reduced gravity

Chondrules crystallized during the earliest formational history of the solar system; and, if crystal settling and flotation are indicators of crystallization in the presence of gravity, they formed without the influence of gravity. In fact, attempts to duplicate the crystallization history of chondrules in the laboratory have met with limited success, because of the difficulty of comparing objects formed under the influence of gravity with objects that did not. These comparisons are difficult because there are several recognized features introduced by the presence of gravity and no doubt some which are not yet recognized. As a result there are several microscale and macroscale aspects of chondrule petrology which are difficult to understand quantitatively. Most of the features relate to the settling or flotation of early formed crystals. The proposed experiments are briefly described.