Chondrite Samples Research Articles

Hf–W isotope systematics of bulk chondrites: Implications for early Solar System evolution

The short-lived 182Hf–182W system is widely used for constraining the chronology of the early Solar System, including the timing of the formation, thermal evolution, and differentiation of planetary bodies. Utilizing the full potential of the Hf–W system requires knowledge of the Hf/W ratio and W isotopic composition of primitive chondritic material. However, metal-silicate heterogeneity among chondritic samples can complicate accurately determining the Hf–W systematics of bulk chondrite parent bodies. Moreover, interpreting Hf–W data for chondrites may be complicated by potential nucleosynthetic W isotope anomalies. To this end, we report Hf/W ratios and W isotope compositions for bulk ordinary and enstatite chondrites, as well as the first such data for Rumuruti chondrites. We find that ordinary and Rumuruti chondrites show no resolvable nucleosynthetic anomalies, whereas resolved ε183W (i.e., 0.01 % deviation in 183W/184W from terrestrial standard) excesses in individual enstatite chondrites suggest the presence of nucleosynthetic W isotope anomalies in bulk meteorite samples originating in the inner Solar System. These anomalies necessitate corrections when accurately quantifying radiogenic 182W variations. Furthermore, several ordinary chondrites deviate in Hf/W ratios and W composition from the parent body compositions previously obtained from internal 182Hf–182W isochrons, indicating variations in the abundance of metal across different chondrite samples. Similarly, the Hf–W systematics of some enstatite chondrites also deviate from the parent body values, which can be attributed to the heterogeneous distribution of Hf carrier phases. The new observations highlight the challenges in obtaining Hf-W data that are representative of the chondrite parent bodies from individual chondrites, especially from metal-rich samples. By contrast, Rumuruti chondrites of variable petrologic types exhibit uniform Hf/W and 182W/184W ratios, suggesting that these samples are representative of their parent body. Whereas their Hf/W ratio is similar to that of carbonaceous chondrites, their W isotope composition is less radiogenic. This indicates that the Rumuruti precursor reservoir most likely had a significantly lower Hf/W ratio than the ratio measured in Rumuruti chondrites today. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the likely variations in Hf-W isotope systematics of iron meteorite parent bodies for accurately determining the timing of core formation.

Unraveling the Cr Isotopes of Ryugu: An Accurate Aqueous Alteration Age and the Least Thermally Processed Solar System Material

The analysis of samples returned from the C-type asteroid Ryugu has drastically advanced our knowledge of the evolution of early solar system materials. However, no consensus has been obtained on the chronological data, which is important for understanding the evolution of the asteroid Ryugu. Here, the aqueous alteration age of Ryugu particles was determined by the Mn–Cr method using bulk samples, yielding an age of 4.13 + 0.62/−0.55 Myr after the formation of Ca–Al-rich inclusions (CAI). The age corresponds to 4563.17 + 0.60/−0.67 Myr ago. The higher 55Mn/52Cr, ε 54Cr, and initial ε 53Cr values of the Ryugu samples relative to any carbonaceous chondrite samples implies that its progenitor body formed from the least thermally processed precursors in the outermost region of the protoplanetary disk. Despite accreting at different distances from the Sun, the hydrous asteroids (Ryugu and the parent bodies of CI, CM, CR, and ungrouped C2 meteorites) underwent aqueous alteration during a period of limited duration (3.8 ± 1.8 Myr after CAI). These ages are identical to the crystallization age of the carbonaceous achondirtes NWA 6704/6693 within the error. The ε 54Cr and initial ε 53Cr values of Ryugu and NWA 6704/6693 are also identical, while they show distinct Δ'17O values. This suggests that the precursors that formed the progenitor bodies of Ryugu and NWA 6703/6693 were formed in close proximity and experienced a similar degree of thermal processing in the protosolar nebula. However, the progenitor body of Ryugu was formed by a higher ice/dust ratio, than NWA6703/6693, in the outer region of the protoplanetary disk.

On the Response of Chondrites to Diurnal Temperature Change—Experimental Simulation of Asteroidal Surface Conditions

AbstractThermal fatigue is a process that degrades rocks and pebbles exposed to space by diurnal cycling. We simulate the diurnal temperature variation at 1 AU of 5 mm‐sized sample cubes using an evacuated cryostat, allowing conditions that are closer to those expected in space. Sample cubes of ordinary, CV, CM2, and C2 chondrites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and microcomputed tomography scans. In contrast to previous work, the ordinary and CV chondrite samples did not show any cracking. The CM2 chondrites respond with the formation and extension of cracks. Pre‐existing cracks present in the C2 chondrite Tagish Lake closed in the course of cycling to different degrees, which has not been reported before in the context of thermal fatigue driven rock breakdown. Most changes in crack length occur in the initial ∼20 cycles indicating a rapid buildup of strain followed by a rapid release by the formation and extension of cracks when exposed to diurnal temperature variation. The overall cracking rate is comparable to that of previous work on CM2 chondrites and in 15%–20% of the observed cracking occasions they are associated with fine‐grained rims around chondrules implying that the comminution of CM‐like rocks and pebbles is controlled by the abundance of chondrules (and other coarse‐grained components) and their rims. We propose that thermal fatigue‐driven comminution of rocks and especially pebbles on asteroids under the here studied conditions is controlled by the abundance of hydrated minerals. This, in turn, can result in different abundances and natures of finer‐grained material on asteroid surfaces.

Pervasive aqueous alteration in the early Solar System revealed by potassium isotopic variations in Ryugu samples and carbonaceous chondrites

C-type asteroids are the presumed home to carbonaceous chondrites, some of which contain abundant life-forming volatiles and organics. For the first time, samples from a C-type asteroid (162173 Ryugu) were successfully returned to Earth by JAXA's Hayabusa2 mission. These pristine samples, uncontaminated by the terrestrial environment, allow a direct comparison with carbonaceous chondrites. This study reports the stable K isotopic compositions (expressed as δ41K) of Ryugu samples and seven carbonaceous chondrites to constrain the origin of K isotopic variations in the early Solar System. Three aliquots of Ryugu particles collected at two touchdown sites have identical δ41K values, averaged at −0.194 ± 0.038‰ (2SD). The K isotopic composition of Ryugu falls within the range of δ41K values measured on representative CI chondrites, and together, they define an average δ41K value of −0.185 ± 0.078‰ (2SE), which provides the current best estimate of the K isotopic composition of the bulk Solar System. Samples of CI chondrites with δ41K values that deviate from this range likely reflect terrestrial contaminations or compositional heterogeneities at sampled sizes. In addition to CI chondrites, substantial K isotopic variability is observed in other carbonaceous chondrites and within individual chondritic groups, with δ41K values inversely correlated with K abundances in many cases. These observations indicate widespread fluid activity occurred in chondrite parent bodies, which significantly altered the original K abundances and isotopic compositions of chondrules and matrices established at their accretion.

Meteorite temperature measurements during ground testing

Ground testing meteorite samples offer in-situ measurements of known materials in conditions that occur during entry into Earth’s atmosphere. 22 meteorite samples with a wide range of origins and classifications were tested in the plasma wind tunnel facility PWK1 at the Institute of Space Systems in Stuttgart. These tests recreate the flow condition of a meteoroid during entry into earth’s atmosphere at an altitude of 78.8km altitude and a velocity of 11.7kms-1. Four optical diagnostic techniques were used to measure the surface temperature above 1000K. 2-D methods showed that the surface temperature is evenly distributed over the sample surface, while time-resolved analyses show that the samples reach a steady state temperature within 0.5s. The steady-state temperature for chondritic samples was consistent but varied significantly for achondrites and iron meteorite samples. The composition data showed a strong dependency of the surface temperature on the silicon content. The surface temperatures were shown to be dependent on the material and a database of temperatures was set up. The Planck fit methodology could be directly adapted to spectral meteor observation systems. A comparison of the method to established methods showed an offset between the methods. This data could be applied to thermal models to better understand the energy transfer processes during meteor flight.

A novel method for extracting metals from asteroids using non-aqueous deep eutectic solvents

Extra-terrestrial mining and metal processing are vital for access to strategic metals for space exploration. This study demonstrates for the first time the catalytic dissolution of metals from meteorite proxies of metal-rich asteroids using a deep eutectic solvent (DES). DESs are of particular interest for extra-terrestrial mining as they can be designed to have relatively low vapour pressures and could potentially be made from organic waste products created in extra-terrestrial settlements. Three types of meteorites were investigated: two chondrites (H3, H5) and one iron (IAB-MG) meteorite. Chondrite samples were composed of silicates (olivine, pyroxene) with metal-rich phases occurring as native metal alloys, sulphides and oxides. Metallic Fe–Ni and troilite (FeS) are the most abundant metal-bearing phases in all three samples, particularly in the iron-rich meteorite. The samples were subjected to chemical micro-etching experiments with iodine and iron(III) chloride as oxidising agents in a DES formed from the mixture of choline chloride and ethylene glycol. Micro-etching experiments demonstrated that Fe–Ni rich phases are effectively leached out in this system, while other mineral phases remain unreactive.

Investigating the porosity of Enceladus

ABSTRACT The interior of Enceladus, a medium-sized icy moon of Saturn hosts hydrothermal activity and exhibits tidal heating and related geyser-like activity. There are major disagreements in the existing literature on the porosity of the interior due to the different theoretical assumptions on which porosity related calculations are based. We present an application of experimental equations – derived for the Earth – for icy planetary objects and Enceladus in particular. We chose a set of boundary values for our initial parameters from measured porosity values of chondrite samples as references and calculated the porosity related values of Enceladus using various approaches. We present a comprehensive investigation of the effects of using these different porosity calculation methods on icy moons. With our most realistic approach, we also calculated the same values for the Earth and Mars for comparison. Our result for Enceladus is a minimum porosity of about 5 per cent at the centre of the body. For the total pore volume, we estimated 1.51 · 107 km3 for Enceladus, 2.11 · 108 km3 for the Earth and 1.62 · 108 km3 for Mars. Using the same method, we estimated the total pore surface area. From this, we derived that the pore surface under a given 1 km2 area of the surface on Enceladus is about 1.37 · 109 km2, while for the Earth this value is only 5.07 · 107 km2.

Modeling Chondrule Dust Rim Growth with Ellipsoidal Monomers

Fine-grained dust rims (FGRs) surrounding chondrules in carbonaceous chondrites encode important information about early processes in the solar nebula. Here, we investigate the effect of the nebular environment on FGR porosity, dust size distribution, and grain alignment, comparing the results for rims comprised of ellipsoidal and spherical grains. We conduct numerical simulations in which FGRs grow by collisions between dust particles and chondrules in both neutral and ionized turbulent gas. The resultant rim morphology is related to the ratio ϵ of the electrostatic potential energy at the collision point to the relative kinetic energy between colliding particles. In general, large ϵ leads to a large rim porosity, large rim grain size, and low growth rate. Dust rims comprised of ellipsoidal monomers initially grow faster in thickness than rims comprised of spherical monomers, due to their higher porosity. As the rims grow and obtain a greater electrostatic potential, repulsion becomes dominant, and this effect is reversed. Grain size coarsening toward the outer regions of the rims is observed for low- and high-ϵ regimes, and is more pronounced in the ellipsoidal case, while for the medium-ϵ regime, small monomers tend to be captured in the middle of the rims. In neutral environments, ellipsoidal grains have random orientations within the rim, while in charged environments ellipsoidal grains tend to align with maximum axial alignment for ϵ = 0.15. The characterization of these FGR features provides a means to relate laboratory measurements of chondrite samples to the formation environment of the parent bodies.

Using the potassium‐argon laser experiment (KArLE) to date ancient, low‐K chondritic meteorites

AbstractSeveral laboratories have been investigating the feasibility of in situ K‐Ar dating for use in future landing planetary missions. One drawback of these laboratory demonstrations is the insufficient analogy of the analyzed analog samples with expected future targets. We present the results obtained using the K‐Ar laser experiment (KArLE) on two old and K‐poor chondritic samples, Pułtusk and Hvittis, as better lunar analogs. The KArLE instrument uses laser ablation to vaporize rock samples and quantifies K content by laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Ar by quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS), and ablated mass by laser profilometry. We performed 64 laser ablations on the chondrites to measure spots with a range of K2O and Ar content and used the data to construct isochrons to determine the chondrite formation age. The KArLE isochron ages on Pułtusk and Hvittis are 5059 ± 892 Ma and 4721 ± 793 Ma, respectively, which is within the uncertainty of published reference ages, and interpreted as the age of their formation. The uncertainty (2σ) on the KArLE ages obtained in this study is better than 20% (18% for Pułtusk and 17% for Hvittis). The precision, which compares our obtained ages to the reference ages, is also better than 20% (11% for Pułtusk and 4% for Hvittis). These results are encouraging for understanding the limits of this technique to measure ancient planetary samples and for guiding future improvements to the instrument.

Experimentally Induced Thermal Fatigue on Lunar and Eucrite Meteorites—Influence of the Mineralogy on Rock Breakdown

AbstractThermal fatigue has been proven to be of fundamental importance for the nature and evolution of surfaces of airless bodies in the solar system. It is a rock erosive process acting in conjunction with meteoroid bombardment. We set up an experiment to simulate the diurnal temperature variation at 1 AU of centimeter sized sample cubes using a liquid nitrogen cooled cryostat, allowing to study unexplored conditions, that is, high vacuum and temperatures of 200 K similar to those occurring on the Moon. The sample cubes are investigated using scanning electron microscopy and micro computed tomography scans before and after 10, 20, 50, 100, and 400 total cycles. Cycling of the lunar anorthosite Northwest Africa (NWA) 11273 and the eucrite NWA 11050 reveal different behaviors: Whereas NWA 11273 responds to the cycling with micro‐flaking of tenth‐of‐µm‐sized grains on its surface and only limited crack growth, the eucrite NWA 11050 is less affected by micro‐flaking but the growth of cracks is observed to occur throughout the whole experiment. The rate of crack formation and growth is lower when compared to previously reported results on ordinary and carbonaceous chondritic samples carried out under nitrogen atmosphere and above 250 K. We propose that the size of particles and their rate of production by thermal fatigue highly depends on the mineralogy of the exposed rock and areas with mature rocks are prone to produce fine‐grained soil, while primary rocks such as basalts are likely to produce blocky regolith in a first step.

Artificial weathering of an ordinary chondrite: Recommendations for the curation of Antarctic meteorites

AbstractMeteorites are prone to errestrial weathering not only after their fall on the Earth’s surface but also during storage in museum collections. To study the susceptibility of this material to weathering, weathering experiments were carried out on polished sections of the H5 chondrite Asuka 10177. The experiments consisted of four 100‐days cycles during which temperature and humidity varied on a twelve hours basis. The first alteration cycle consisted of changing the temperature from 15 to 25 °C; the second cycle consisted of modifying both humidity and temperature from 35 to 45% and 15 to 25 °C, respectively; the third cycle consisted of varying the humidity level from 40 to 60%; and the fourth cycle maintained a fixed high humidity of 80%. Weathering products resulting from the experiments were identified and characterized using scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Such products were not observed at the microscopic scale after the first cycle of alteration. Conversely, products typical of the corrosion of meteoritic FeNi metal were observed during scanning electron microscope surveys after all subsequent cycles. Important increases in the distribution of weathering products on the samples were observed after cycles 2 and 4 but not after cycle 3, suggesting that the combination of temperature and humidity fluctuations or high humidity (>60%) alone is most detrimental to chondritic samples. Chemistry of the weathering products revealed a high degree of FeNi metal corrosion with a limited contribution of troilite corrosion. No clear evidence of mafic silicate alteration was observed after all cycles, suggesting that postretrieval alteration remains limited to FeNi metal and to a lesser extent to troilite.

Connecting asteroids and meteorites with visible and near-infrared spectroscopy

In this work we identify spectral similarities between asteroids and meteorites. Using spectral features such as absorption bands and spectral curvature, we identify spectral matches between 500 asteroid spectra and over 1,000 samples of RELAB meteorite spectra over visible plus near-infrared wavelengths (0.45–2.5μm). We reproduce and confirm many major and previously known meteorite–asteroid connections and find possible new, more rare or less-established connections. Well-established connections include: ordinary chondrites with S-complex asteroids; pristine CM carbonaceous chondrites with Ch-type asteroids and heated CMs with C-type asteroids ; HED meteorites with V-types; enstatite chondrites with Xc-type asteroids; CV meteorites with K-type asteroids; Brachinites, Pallasites and R chondrites with olivine-dominated A-type asteroids.In addition to the link between ordinary chondrite meteorites with S-complex asteroids, we find a trend from Q, Sq, S, Sr to Sv correlates with LL to H, with Q-types matching predominately to L and LL ordinary chondrites, and Sr and Sv matching predominantly with L and H ordinary chondrites. We find ordinary chondrite samples that match to the X-complex. These are measurements of slabs and many are labeled as dark or black (shocked) ordinary chondrites. We find carbonaceous chondrite samples having spectral slopes large enough to match D-type asteroid spectra.We find in many cases the asteroid type to meteorite type links are not unique, for classes with and without distinct spectral features. While there are examples of dominant matches between an asteroid class and meteorite class that are well established, there are less common but still spectrally compatible matches between many asteroid types and meteorite types. This result emphasizes the diversity of asteroid and meteorite compositions and highlights the degeneracy of classification by spectral features alone requiring additional measurements to firmly establish asteroid–meteorite links. Recent and upcoming spacecraft missions will shed light on the compositions of many of the asteroid classes, particularly those without diagnostic features, (C-, B-, X-, and D-types), with measurements of C-type Ceres, C-type Ryugu, B-type Bennu, M-type Psyche, and C-, P-, and D-types as part of the Lucy mission.

Sr distribution as proxy for Ca distribution at depth in SXRF analysis of mm‐sized carbonaceous chondrites: Implications for asteroid sample return missions

AbstractReliable identification of chondrules, calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs), carbonate grains, and Ca‐phosphate grains at depth within untouched, unprepared chondritic samples by a nondestructive analytical method, such as synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence (SXRF) computed tomography (CT), is an essential first step before intrusive analytical and sample preparation methods are performed. The detection of a local Ca‐enrichment could indicate the presence of such a component, all of which contain Ca as major element and/or Ca‐bearing minerals, allowing it to be precisely located at depth within a sample. However, the depth limitation from which Ca‐K fluorescence can travel through a chondrite sample (e.g., ∼115 µm through material of 1.5 g cm−3) to XRF detectors leaves many Ca‐bearing components undetected at deeper depths. In comparison, Sr‐K lines travel much greater distances (∼1700 µm) through the same sample density and are, thus, detected from much greater depths. Here, we demonstrate a clear, positive, and preferential correlation between Ca and Sr and conclude that Sr‐detection can be used as proxy for the presence of Ca (and, thus, Ca‐bearing components) throughout mm‐sized samples of carbonaceous chondritic material. This has valuable implications, especially for sample return missions from carbonaceous C‐type asteroids, such as Ryugu or Bennu. Reliable localization, identification, and targeted analysis by SXRF of Ca‐bearing chondrules, CAIs, and carbonates at depth within untouched, unprepared samples in the initial stages of a multianalysis investigation insures the valuable information they hold of pre‐ and post‐accretion processes in the early solar system is neither corrupted nor destroyed in subsequent processing and analyses.

Size-frequency distributions and physical properties of chondrules from x-ray computed microtomography and digital data extraction.

Within this work, we present the first true three-dimensional (3D) analysis of chondrule size. Knowledge about the physical properties of chondrules is important for validating astrophysical theories concerning chondrule formation and their aggregation into the chondritic meteorites (known as chondrites) that contain them. The classification of chondrites into chemical groups also relies on chondrule properties, including their dimensions. Within this work, we quantify the diameters of chondrules in five ordinary chondrites (OCs; comprised of the H, L, and LL chondrites) andone low-iron enstatite (EL) chondrite. To extract the chondrule size data, we use x-ray computed microtomography to image small (~1-2 cm3 ) chondrite samples followed by manual digital segmentation to isolate chondrules within the volumes or subvolumes. Our data yield true 3D results without stereographic corrections necessary for two-dimensional (2D) or petrographic thin section-based determinations of chondrule sizes. Our results are completely novel, but are consistent with previous surface analysis (2D) data for OCs. Within our OC chondrule diameter data, we find the trend of mean chondrule diameters increasing in the order H < L < LL. We also present the first detailed EL chondrite chondrule size-frequency distribution. Finally, we examine the shapes and collective orientations of the chondrules within the chondrites and show that chondrite petrofabrics can be explored with our methodology. Chondrule shape-preferred orientations are identical to the orientations of the metal and sulfide grains in the chondrites and this is likely due to impact-related compaction. HIGHLIGHTS: We present a first true three-dimensional analysis of chondrule size. Our ordinary chondrite chondrule diameter data demonstrate the trend of mean chondrule diameters increasing in the order H chondrites < L chondrites < LL chondrites. We also present the first detailed low-iron enstatite chondrite chondrule size-frequency distribution. We examine the shapes and collective orientations of the chondrules and show that chondrite petrofabrics can be explored with our methodology.

Electromagnetic characterization of a crushed L-chondrite for subsurface radar investigations of solar system bodies

Radar sounders are becoming essential methods for the exploration of the Earth, Planets and the interior of small Solar System bodies. The performance of a radar is strongly related to the electromagnetic parameters of the materials composing the body surface and subsurface. Given the very limited access to planetary soil and rocks, meteorites represent important analogues of asteroids and Jovian icy moon crusts. Electromagnetic properties of meteorites are poorly known as they have seldom been investigated through extensive laboratory measurements as a function of frequency, temperature, and density. The present work builds upon a previous study on a solid chondrite sample, extending the measurements to the complex dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability of a crushed L5 chondrite in the frequency range typical of the radars proposed for future space missions, such as AIDA, JUICE and EUROPA CLIPPER. The results show that for such dry granular materials the main parameter controlling the electromagnetic properties is the sample bulk density. Moreover, our results highlight the importance to account for magnetic properties in radar signal attenuation estimation for planetary exploration.

Spectral and mineralogical alteration process of naturally-heated CM and CY chondrites

Spectral and mineralogical analyses were performed using nine naturally hydrated and dehydrated carbonaceous chondrite samples which were classified into heating stages (HS) from I to IV based on previous X-ray diffraction results. In-situ heating of samples at 120–400 °C was performed during spectral measurements and successfully removed absorbed water and part of rehydrated water from chondrite samples. Reflectance spectra of HS-I samples show the positive slope in visible (Vis)-infrared (IR) range and the significant 0.7- and 3-μm absorption bands. The 0.7-μm band appears in only HS-I sample spectra. With increasing temperature of heating, (1) Vis-IR slope decreases, (2) the 3-μm band becomes shallower, and (3) Christiansen feature (CF) and Reststrahlen bands (RB) shift toward longer wavelength. TEM-EDX analyses showed that the matrix of strongly-heated chondrites consists of tiny olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, and FeNi metallic particles mostly smaller than 100 nm in diameter, instead of Fe-rich serpentines and tochilinite observed in the HS-I chondrite. Therefore, in proportion to the heating degree, amorphization and dehydration of serpentine and tochilinite from HS-I to HS-II may cause the 0.7- and 3-μm band weakening, spectral bluing and darkening of chondrite spectra. In addition, formation of secondary anhydrous silicates and FeNi-rich metal grains at HS-IV would be responsible for the 3-μm band depth decrease, spectral reddening and brightening, CF peak shift, and RB changes of chondrite spectra. Those spectral changes in response to mineralogical alteration processes will be useful to interpret planetary surface composition by remote-sensing observations using ground-based or airborne/space telescopes or spacecraft missions.

The composition of CI chondrites and their contents of chlorine and bromine: Results from instrumental neutron activation analysis

AbstractBetween 1973 and 1994, 15 samples of CI chondrites were analyzed by neutron activation analysis at the Max‐Planck‐Institute for Chemistry, Department of Cosmochemistry in Mainz, Germany. The analyses comprise nine Orgueil samples and three samples of Ivuna, two of Alais and one of Tonk. Samples came from various sources and had masses between 5 and 600 mg. Most data are published here for the first time. The results for the nine Orgueil samples demonstrate the essentially homogeneous chemical composition of Orgueil at a level of a few milligrams. The analytical results of Ivuna, Alais, and Tonk agree, with only few exceptions, with the results of Orgueil analyses. All samples agree within ±3% in their contents of Sc, Ir, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, and Se. The elements Sc and Ir represent the refractory component; Cr, Fe, and Co the main component; and Zn and Se the volatile component. Thus, in all CI chondrites there are essentially the same fractions of the fundamental cosmochemical components. The essentially identical chemical composition of all samples shows that their water contents are constant at about 20 ± 5 wt%. There is excellent agreement between the data listed here with data reported in the relevant literature. There is no doubt that the CI composition is a well‐defined entity, which is thought to represent the non‐gaseous compositions of the solar nebula and the photosphere of the Sun. In addition, we conclude that the recently proposed new CI chondritic chlorine and Br values are too low, when compared to earlier measurements.

Study of Fischer–Tropsch-type reactions on chondritic meteorites

Context.How simple organic matter appeared on Earth and the processes by which it transformed into more evolved organic compounds, which ultimately led to the emergence of life, is still an open topic. Different scenarios have been proposed, the main one assumes that simple organic compounds were synthesized, either in the gas phase or on the surfaces of dust grains, during the process of star formation and they were incorporated into larger bodies in the protoplanetary disk. The transformation of these simple organic compounds in more complex forms is still a matter of debate. Recent discoveries have pointed to catalytic properties of dust grains present in the early stellar envelope, which can nowadays be found in the form of chondrites. The significant infall of chondritic meteorites during the early periods of Earth suggests that the same reactions could have taken place in certain environments on the Earth’s surface, with conditions more favorable for organic synthesis.Aims.This work attempts to synthesize simple organic molecules, such as hydrocarbons and alcohols via Fischer–Tropsch-type reactions supported by different chondritic materials under early-Earth conditions, to investigate if organic synthesis can likely occur in this environment and to determine what the differences are in selectivity when using different types of chondrites.Methods.Fischer–Tropsch-type reactions are investigated from mixtures of CO and H2at 1 atm of pressure on the surfaces of different chondritic samples. The different products obtained are analyzed in situ by gas chromatography.Results.Different Fischer–Tropsch reaction products are obtained in quantitative amounts. The formation of alkanes and alkenes being the main processes. The formation of alcohols also takes place in a smaller amount. Other secondary products were obtained in a qualitative way.Conclusions.Chondritic material surfaces have been proven as good supports for the occurrence of organic synthesis. Under certain circumstances during the formation of Earth, they could have produced a suitable environment for these reactions to occur.

Origin of hydrogen isotopic variations in chondritic water and organics

Chondrites are rocky fragments of asteroids that formed at different times and heliocentric distances in the early solar system. Most chondrite groups contain water-bearing minerals, attesting that both water-ice and dust were accreted on their parent asteroids. Nonetheless, the hydrogen isotopic composition (D/H) of water in the different chondrite groups remains poorly constrained, due to the intimate mixture of hydrated minerals and organic compounds, the other main H-bearing phase in chondrites. Building on our recent works using in situ secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses, we determined the H isotopic composition of water in a large set of chondritic samples (CI, CM, CO, CR, and C-ungrouped carbonaceous chondrites) and report that water in each group shows a distinct and unique D/H signature. Based on a comparison with literature data on bulk chondrites and their water and organics, our data do not support a preponderant role of parent-body processes in controlling the D/H variations among chondrites. Instead, we propose that the water and organic D/H signatures were mostly shaped by interactions between the protoplanetary disk and the molecular cloud that episodically fed the disk over several million years. Because the preservation of D-rich interstellar water and/or organics in chondritic materials is only possible below their respective sublimation temperatures (160 and 350–450 K), the H isotopic signatures of chondritic materials depend on both the timing and location at which their parent body formed.

Composition of terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres from meteorite outgassing experiments

Terrestrial exoplanets likely form initial atmospheres through outgassing during and after accretion, although there is currently no first-principles understanding of how to connect a planet's bulk composition to its early atmospheric properties. Important insights into this connection can be gained by assaying meteorites, representative samples of planetary building blocks. We perform laboratory outgassing experiments that use a mass spectrometer to measure the abundances of volatiles released when meteorite samples are heated to 1200 $^{\circ}$C. We find that outgassing from three carbonaceous chondrite samples consistently produce H$_2$O-rich (averaged ~66 %) atmospheres but with significant amounts of CO (~18 %) and CO$_2$ (~15 %) as well as smaller quantities of H$_2$ and H$_2$S (up to 1 %). These results provide experimental constraints on the initial chemical composition in theoretical models of terrestrial planet atmospheres, supplying abundances for principal gas species as a function of temperature.