Abstract
In this paper we consider the possible origins of naturally occurring (fossil) charged-particle tracks in meteorites. The fact that only particles with a large rate of ionization loss give revealable tracks in common silicate minerals restricts the sources of meteoritic tracks to the following possibilities: (a) slowed-down heavy cosmic-ray primaries, (b) spontaneous fission of U238 and extinct Pu244, (c) induced fission of heavy elements by cosmic rays, (d) spallation recoils, (e) meson jets, and (f) magnetic monopoles. The last two potential sources are probably not important. The other sources are shown to produce characteristic track features that allow the dominant source to be uniquely identified in individual meteorites—provided the appropriate calibration experiments are performed. Two important applications of fossil meteoritic tracks are the determination of the abundance of extremely heavy cosmic rays and the measurement of the cool-down time of bodies in the early solar system.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
