Comet's Fragments or Rocks
| Additional photos for this section: Album 6 |
| Comet Impact Inquiry |
| "Science Related" not "Scientifically Related" |
| Photo Albums: |
| 7. Oddballs |
| History |
References:
Search for more research findings on Comets at the Lunar and Planetary Institute:
[http://www.lpi.usra.edu/search/?cx=002803415602668413512%3Acu4craz862y&cof=FORID%3A11&q=comet+wild+2#1341]
[http://www.lpi.usra.edu/search/?cx=002803415602668413512%3Acu4craz862y&cof=FORID%3A11&q=comet+wild+2#1341]
Stardust Findings Suggest Comets More Complex Than Thought (NASA’s JPL 2006 New Release). [http://stardust.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news110.html]
Mineralogical and Textural Changes of a Wild 2 Terminal Particle Pentlandite from Capture Heating in Aerogel. 40th Lunar and Planetary
Science Conference (2009). D. J. Joswiak, D. E. Brownlee and G. Matrajt. [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009/pdf/2150.pdf]
Science Conference (2009). D. J. Joswiak, D. E. Brownlee and G. Matrajt. [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009/pdf/2150.pdf]
Silicon Carbide in Comet Wild 2 & The Abundance of Pre-solar Grains in the Kuiper Belt. (LPI 2009).
[http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009/pdf/2195.pdf]
[http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009/pdf/2195.pdf]
Discovery of presolar SiC from Comet Wild-2. (LPI 2009). [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009/pdf/1790.pdf]
http://www.planetary.org/news/2006/0320_News_from_the_37th_Lunar_and_Planetary.html - "In some samples, the mineralogy has been altered,
but in the majority of samples the mineralogy has survived. We are seeing magnesium-rich olivine, both low-calcium and high-calcium pyroxene -- a
wide range of olivine and pyroxene compositions -- and plagioclase." These are all crystalline, but they are also seeing glass, which may have
the same elemental composition but not the crystal structure of these other minerals. "We're not sure yet whether the glass is produced by an
impact process" (such as melting) "or is original."
but in the majority of samples the mineralogy has survived. We are seeing magnesium-rich olivine, both low-calcium and high-calcium pyroxene -- a
wide range of olivine and pyroxene compositions -- and plagioclase." These are all crystalline, but they are also seeing glass, which may have
the same elemental composition but not the crystal structure of these other minerals. "We're not sure yet whether the glass is produced by an
impact process" (such as melting) "or is original."
http://stardust.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news113.html - Stardust's Big Surprise - "We find spectacular silicate crystals in the comet. The presence of
crystals in comets was suggested by astronomical observations but the Stardust mission results provide important new insight into their origin and
history."
crystals in comets was suggested by astronomical observations but the Stardust mission results provide important new insight into their origin and
history."
Asteroids, Comets, Meteors (2008) THE NATURE OF COMETS: BIG SURPRISES. Tom Van Flandern, Meta Research... "New findings from the
Stardust and Deep Impact missions and from the outburst of Comet Holmes indicate that comets apparently have no surface ices, yet do have
high-formation-temperature minerals and thick dust regoliths." [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/acm2008/pdf/8012.pdf]
Stardust and Deep Impact missions and from the outburst of Comet Holmes indicate that comets apparently have no surface ices, yet do have
high-formation-temperature minerals and thick dust regoliths." [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/acm2008/pdf/8012.pdf]
Stardust Results Challenge Astronomical Convention (LLNL 2007). "Other high-temperature minerals include olivine and pyroxene (magnesium
iron silicates), both associated with igneous rocks on Earth." [https://www.llnl.gov/str/April07/Bradley.html]
iron silicates), both associated with igneous rocks on Earth." [https://www.llnl.gov/str/April07/Bradley.html]
NASA/JPL-Caltech How to Make Comet Soup http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/deepimpact/multimedia/ingredients090705.html
Des Marais, David J. and Allamandola, Louis "Linking Our Origins to Our Future" & "Prebiotic Ogranic from Space to the First Membranes." NASA
Ames Research Center [http://www.amesteam.arc.nasa.gov/Research/prebiotic_organics.html]
Ames Research Center [http://www.amesteam.arc.nasa.gov/Research/prebiotic_organics.html]
NASA’s released of its scientific findings on Comet Wild’s particles, gathered during its Stardust mission, provide some
information the diversity of low- and high-temperature minerals found within a comet. Links to a number of detailed articles are
under Poster Session 1: Comet Wild 2: Mineralogy and More [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009/pdf/sess334.pdf] and
Comet Wild 2: Mineralogy and More [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009/pdf/sess103.pdf]. Other sources/references,
which I found to be very informative on a Comet’s mineralogy are below in the reference section.
information the diversity of low- and high-temperature minerals found within a comet. Links to a number of detailed articles are
under Poster Session 1: Comet Wild 2: Mineralogy and More [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009/pdf/sess334.pdf] and
Comet Wild 2: Mineralogy and More [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009/pdf/sess103.pdf]. Other sources/references,
which I found to be very informative on a Comet’s mineralogy are below in the reference section.
According to current understanding, "in some cases, the discovery of meteorites, or traces
thereof, can provide unambiguous evidence for an impact origin" (Traces of Catastrophe,
French, 1998)."In SOME cases," yes, that is correct! See, scientific reporting remains in the
realm of competing hypotheses even when the obvious "impact" structure or crater and
meteoritic material are present. The Comet’s Fragments or Rocks section covers proof for
impact criteria no. 8, the presence of meteorite fragments, in this case… shows some of the
cometary fragments.
thereof, can provide unambiguous evidence for an impact origin" (Traces of Catastrophe,
French, 1998)."In SOME cases," yes, that is correct! See, scientific reporting remains in the
realm of competing hypotheses even when the obvious "impact" structure or crater and
meteoritic material are present. The Comet’s Fragments or Rocks section covers proof for
impact criteria no. 8, the presence of meteorite fragments, in this case… shows some of the
cometary fragments.
With a mix of glassy, fine grain, coarse and very coarse grain fragments, the rocks appear to
have minerals, some with crystal faces that are several inches long, with constituents
common to silicic, alkalic, calcic and magnesic igneous rocks. With alkalic igneous rocks
being exceedingly rare, no rocks of this type have been found within the State. Yet, these
rocks fragments are located within two feet (2 ft) of the surface and, on top of the late
Wisconsinan Glacial deposits and a Sedimentary rock type bedrock.
have minerals, some with crystal faces that are several inches long, with constituents
common to silicic, alkalic, calcic and magnesic igneous rocks. With alkalic igneous rocks
being exceedingly rare, no rocks of this type have been found within the State. Yet, these
rocks fragments are located within two feet (2 ft) of the surface and, on top of the late
Wisconsinan Glacial deposits and a Sedimentary rock type bedrock.
The different aggregates of cometary rock fragments below may be portions of the comet or
asteroid proposed as one of the major contributing factor to the start of the so-called Younger
Dryas period. Very few pieces show outright metal flecks as those seen in some stony
meteorites and the high-metal iron (Fe) content pieces show minerals inside quite different
from the outside. With the exception of the glass-like carbon, believed to be portions of the
comet, all fragments attract a small rare-earth magnet. Magnetism is likely due in part to the
presence of a titanian variety of magnetite -- Titaniferous Magnetite.
asteroid proposed as one of the major contributing factor to the start of the so-called Younger
Dryas period. Very few pieces show outright metal flecks as those seen in some stony
meteorites and the high-metal iron (Fe) content pieces show minerals inside quite different
from the outside. With the exception of the glass-like carbon, believed to be portions of the
comet, all fragments attract a small rare-earth magnet. Magnetism is likely due in part to the
presence of a titanian variety of magnetite -- Titaniferous Magnetite.
| As a reminder, the area’s surface rocks are red, blue and gray sandstone, gray shale and black shale, limestone (mixed with marl) and chert. It is said that the last glacier effectively removed the deposits of older glaciers and brought very little exotic deposits, if any, to the area. So that, the existing till or soil is deposits of the Late Wisconsinan Glacier consisting of the aforementioned native/local rocks mix with silica sand, clay and lime. Bedrock is sandstone and shale. The abovementioned rocks are all of the Sedimentary types. |
| Copyright 2009-Y.Mal |
| All photographs / pictures were taken by the site's author and are, therefore, the property of the author. No copying or duplication! To show references and resources, which assisted in interpreting the materials on-hand, the author provided urls to those resources as further reading. Thanks in advance to the scientists/researchers/authors of the referenced sites/articles/documents for sharing their knowledge and findings with the public in clear and concise manner. |
A group of rocks hit with meteoritic projectiles. In this case, small metal projectiles from the comet, which fell with enough force to
project them into, and at times, straight through the rock (pic 4). These grayish/grayish-white rocks are not limestone. Considered
impure, limestone in the area is mixed with marl aka mud (as in limestone and marl), with what appears to be fish bones and carbon.
Pure limestone is not to be found within 100ft of the surface in this area. Further, these rocks are black... the grayish-white coating being
a thin layer of "just that" __ coating. The black under the grayish-white coating has the appearance of "hornsfel", a baked rock that forms
from shales __ pseudotachylites__ covered in the High-temperature Impact Melts section.
project them into, and at times, straight through the rock (pic 4). These grayish/grayish-white rocks are not limestone. Considered
impure, limestone in the area is mixed with marl aka mud (as in limestone and marl), with what appears to be fish bones and carbon.
Pure limestone is not to be found within 100ft of the surface in this area. Further, these rocks are black... the grayish-white coating being
a thin layer of "just that" __ coating. The black under the grayish-white coating has the appearance of "hornsfel", a baked rock that forms
from shales __ pseudotachylites__ covered in the High-temperature Impact Melts section.
All of the cometary rock fragments below attract a small rare-earth magnet. Magnetism is likely due in part to the
presence of a titanian variety of magnetite -- Titaniferous Magnetite/titanomagnetite, ferrimagnetic pyrrhotite and an
iron rich biotite.
presence of a titanian variety of magnetite -- Titaniferous Magnetite/titanomagnetite, ferrimagnetic pyrrhotite and an
iron rich biotite.
Majority of the fragments have sharp angular edges indicating a lack of water travel. Glacial dumped... not possible,
as while they are in the top portion of the soil, they are on top of the glacial deposits.
as while they are in the top portion of the soil, they are on top of the glacial deposits.
Presently, the rock fragments are separated using color and texture/grain size as the main criteria. Although all attract
a magnet, only one group of the rock fragments above show silvery metal flecks, out rightly, the colors and shiny areas
on the others reflect the glassy nature of rock grains formed from rapidly chilled magmas.
a magnet, only one group of the rock fragments above show silvery metal flecks, out rightly, the colors and shiny areas
on the others reflect the glassy nature of rock grains formed from rapidly chilled magmas.
A few years ago, having decided to replace some of the State’s most vulnerable woodland under-story plants, we had
a soil ph test done for four areas of the property. The black surface soil in the area, where these rocks are located, is
extremely high in calcium (CaO), magnesium (MgO) and potash (K2O) compared to the three other areas tested.
a soil ph test done for four areas of the property. The black surface soil in the area, where these rocks are located, is
extremely high in calcium (CaO), magnesium (MgO) and potash (K2O) compared to the three other areas tested.
Highly magnetic, vesicular glass and metal fragments, which may be portion of the comet's or asteroid's crust. A high
metal content fragment is seen on the far right (photo 2). The aggregate of colors showing on the fragments may be
indicative of the pieces being subjected to very high temperature. Close-up on broken fragments showing glass and
vesicles (photo 4). Covered with details in the High-temperature Impact Melt section. Note that the vesicles are round!
metal content fragment is seen on the far right (photo 2). The aggregate of colors showing on the fragments may be
indicative of the pieces being subjected to very high temperature. Close-up on broken fragments showing glass and
vesicles (photo 4). Covered with details in the High-temperature Impact Melt section. Note that the vesicles are round!
Photo 1
Photo 3
Photo 2
Photo 4
Glass-like carbon with conchoidal fractures and lancet markings typical of glass fractures believed to be portions of
the comet's material (photo 1). Glass-like carbon sheets, with diagonal lines on each sheets, haphazardly placed on
the block (photo 2). Glassy carbon with thick outer surface with the appearance of having experiencing high
temperature (photo 3). On close inspection, its surface sparkles with tiny crystals (photo 4). Covered with details in the
High-temperature Impact Melt section.
the comet's material (photo 1). Glass-like carbon sheets, with diagonal lines on each sheets, haphazardly placed on
the block (photo 2). Glassy carbon with thick outer surface with the appearance of having experiencing high
temperature (photo 3). On close inspection, its surface sparkles with tiny crystals (photo 4). Covered with details in the
High-temperature Impact Melt section.
Photo 1
Photo 1
Photo 4
Photo 4
Photo 3
Photo 3
Photo 2
Photo 2
Photo 1
Photo 11
Photo 12
Photo 13
Photo 14
Photo 15
Photo 10
Photo 9
Photo 8
Photo 7
Photo 6
Photo 5
Photo 4
Photo 3
Photo 2
Photo 21
Photo 1
Photo 31
Photo 32
Photo 33
Photo 34
Photo 35
Photo 30
Photo 28
Photo 29
Photo 25
Photo 24
Photo 23
Photo 27
Photo 26
Photo 22
Photo 19
Photo 20
Photo 18
Photo 17
Photo 16
Photo 3
Photo 2
Photo 4
Photo 32, close-up on a fragment similar to those in pic 31, shows colors of greenish and reddish glassy matrix. This photo, upper left, is
my attempt to show the suspended gold color flecks, which may be sulphides. Quite possible, the green color represents olivine and
pigeonite pyroxene. Objects shown on the upper right of said photo could be ferrimagnetic pyrrhotite.
my attempt to show the suspended gold color flecks, which may be sulphides. Quite possible, the green color represents olivine and
pigeonite pyroxene. Objects shown on the upper right of said photo could be ferrimagnetic pyrrhotite.
While I refer to the materials interchangeably as cometary or asteroid, it is inconclusive to say
whether the materials, taken all together, amount to a differentiated asteroid or a comet.
Having excluded the area’s Sedimentary rocks, what is clearly conclusive is that it is
extremely unusual to find, in addition to glass spherules… common in lunar rocks, over 70
different aggregates of materials unrecorded as being common to the area. With the
exception of two fragments appearing highly metallic only on the outside, well over 35 of the
different aggregates of igneous appearing rocks, attract a small rare-earth magnet.
whether the materials, taken all together, amount to a differentiated asteroid or a comet.
Having excluded the area’s Sedimentary rocks, what is clearly conclusive is that it is
extremely unusual to find, in addition to glass spherules… common in lunar rocks, over 70
different aggregates of materials unrecorded as being common to the area. With the
exception of two fragments appearing highly metallic only on the outside, well over 35 of the
different aggregates of igneous appearing rocks, attract a small rare-earth magnet.
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/acm2008/pdf/8262.pdf - "The comet is composed of meteoritic-like materials but the overall mix certainly does not
match any particular class of meteoritic object."
match any particular class of meteoritic object."
https://publicaffairs.llnl.gov/news/news_releases/2006/NR-06-12-03.html - "The mineral in question is vanadium osbornite, which has been found
on Earth only in Russia. The osbornite finding is an indication that during its infancy, the solar system was a very volatile locale in which objects
in the inner area may have been ejected in bipolar outflows perpendicular to the solar accretion disc and rained down into the outer regions."
on Earth only in Russia. The osbornite finding is an indication that during its infancy, the solar system was a very volatile locale in which objects
in the inner area may have been ejected in bipolar outflows perpendicular to the solar accretion disc and rained down into the outer regions."
Cooking Up Comet Crystals. Astrobiological Magazine (5/2009) [http://www.astrobio.net/index.php?option=com_news&task=detail&id=3129]
Pieces of high-metal content fragments, one of which shows a mix of glassy minerals appearing as bright streaks
on the metal and carbon chips (pics 1 & 2). Filed section fragment shown in photo 2 (pic 3) and the inside of the
rust covered metal fragment showing bronze to golden yellow color - Osbornite (pic 4). Osbornite is one of the
mineral acquired by NASA's Stardust mission during its collection of Comet Wild 2 dust. A differentiated
extraterrestrial bolide would have a metal core.
on the metal and carbon chips (pics 1 & 2). Filed section fragment shown in photo 2 (pic 3) and the inside of the
rust covered metal fragment showing bronze to golden yellow color - Osbornite (pic 4). Osbornite is one of the
mineral acquired by NASA's Stardust mission during its collection of Comet Wild 2 dust. A differentiated
extraterrestrial bolide would have a metal core.
Logging, tanning and quarrying for blue sandstone (bluestone) have been, from time of settlement,
the main industries for the County. No record has been located to show that an iron smelting /
metal industry has ever been in the immediate area, and the small shelf from which the igneous
rocks were gathered would not sustain a sizeable industrial operation.
the main industries for the County. No record has been located to show that an iron smelting /
metal industry has ever been in the immediate area, and the small shelf from which the igneous
rocks were gathered would not sustain a sizeable industrial operation.
aphanitic
phaneritic
More photos showing the different aggregates of igneous type rocks can be seen Album 5.
Notes:
Phaneritcs are extrusive rocks with large visible crystals, which cooled slowly (mid-point).
Aphanitics are extrusive rocks with microscopic crystals, which cooled quickly (surface).
Ultramafic mantle rocks are very high in Magnesium (Mg) and Iron (Fe).
Aphanitics are extrusive rocks with microscopic crystals, which cooled quickly (surface).
Ultramafic mantle rocks are very high in Magnesium (Mg) and Iron (Fe).
End of the Big Beast, Peter Tyson (March 2009). NOVA - Last Extinction. [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/clovis/megafauna.html] "Moreover,
Kennett and the team he works with have identified charcoal, soot, microscopic diamonds, and other trace materials at the base of the mat. These
materials indicate, he says, that a comet (not an asteroid—different constituents) exploded in the atmosphere or struck the surface, likely in
pieces. This triggered widespread wildfires and extinctions, changed ocean circulation, and coughed up sun-blocking ash and dust, all of which
helped unleash the Younger Dryas."
Kennett and the team he works with have identified charcoal, soot, microscopic diamonds, and other trace materials at the base of the mat. These
materials indicate, he says, that a comet (not an asteroid—different constituents) exploded in the atmosphere or struck the surface, likely in
pieces. This triggered widespread wildfires and extinctions, changed ocean circulation, and coughed up sun-blocking ash and dust, all of which
helped unleash the Younger Dryas."
Porphyritics are rocks with earlier formed large crystals (phenocrysts) resulted from slow cooling mixing with rapidly crystallized fine grain minerals
resulted from fast cooling (a mix of phaneritics and aphanitics). Porphyritic rocks crystallizes below a volcano.
resulted from fast cooling (a mix of phaneritics and aphanitics). Porphyritic rocks crystallizes below a volcano.