Similarities in element content between comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko coma dust and selected meteorite samples

Engrand, Cécile; Merouane, Sihane; Paquette, John; Siljeström, Sandra; Varmuza, Kurt; Hilchenbach, Martin; Stenzel, Oliver J.; Brandstätter, Franz; Koeberl, Christian; Ferrière, Ludovic; Filzmoser, Peter

Germany, Austria, France, Sweden

Abstract

We have analysed the element composition and the context of particles collected within the coma of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko with Rosetta's COmetary Secondary Ion Mass Analyzer (COSIMA). A comparison has been made between on board cometary samples and four meteorite samples measured in the laboratory with the COSIMA reference model. Focusing on the rock-forming elements, we have found similarities with chondrite meteorites for some ion count ratios. The composition of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko particles measured by COSIMA shows an enrichment in volatile elements compared to that of the investigated Renazzo (CR2) carbonaceous meteorite sample.

2017 Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Rosetta 11