Simulation of cometary grains.
Abstract
Structural characteristics of matrices formed during sublimation of frozen inorganic aqueous solutions are investigated experimentally. Results are discussed which indicate that the disintegration of such matrices may be an additional source of cometary dust. It is shown that micron-sized microcrystals are the structural units of these matrices and that acicular crystals will form in the presence of small amounts of such volatile compounds as NH4OH and C2H5OH.
- Publication:
-
Pisma v Astronomicheskii Zhurnal
- Pub Date:
- November 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977PAZh....3..518L
- Keywords:
-
- Comets;
- Crystal Growth;
- Interplanetary Dust;
- Microcrystals;
- Aqueous Solutions;
- Ice;
- Sodium Chlorides;
- Sublimation;
- Astrophysics;
- Comets:Dust