Similarities in Element Content between Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko Coma Dust and Selected Meteorite Samples

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

Mon Not R Astron Soc
doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stx1908

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“We have analyzed 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.”