Ancient asteroids enriched in refractory inclusions

J. M. Sunshine, H. C. Connolly, T. J. McCoy, S. J. Bus, L. M. La Croix

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

75 Scopus citations

Abstract

Calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) occur in all classes of chondritic meteorites and contain refractory minerals predicted to be the first condensates from the solar nebula. Near-infrared spectra of CAIs have strong 2-micrometer absorptions, attributed to iron oxide - bearing aluminous spinel. Similar absorptions are present in the telescopic spectra of several asteroids; modeling indicates that these contain ∼30 ± 10% CAIs (two to three times that of any meteorite). Survival of these undifferentiated, large (50- to 100-kilometer diameter) CAI-rich bodies suggests that they may have formed before the injection of radiogenic 26Al into the solar system. They have also experienced only modest post-accretionary alteration. Thus, these asteroids have higher concentrations of CAI material, appear less altered, and are more ancient than any known sample in our meteorite collection, making them prime candidates for sample return.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)514-517
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume320
Issue number5875
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 25 2008
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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