Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1772068 Chinese Astronomy and Astrophysics 2006 8 Pages PDF
Abstract

Primitive meteorites contain microscopic pre-solar stardust grains that originated from stellar outflows and supernova ejecta. Identified phases include nano-diamond, graphite, silicon carbide, corundum, spinel, hibonite, nitride, and silicates. Their stellar origin was manifested by their enormous isotopic ratio variations compared to solar system materials. They are solid samples from various stellar sources, including red giant stars, AGB stars, novae, and supernovae. Laboratory isotopic analyses of these grains provide unique insights into stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis and mixing processes, dust formation in stellar envelopes, and galactic chemical evolution. Pre-solar grains open a new observational window for astrophysical researches.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Physics and Astronomy Astronomy and Astrophysics