Summary of Team identifies clathrate ices in comet 67P
Scientists analyzing data from ESA's Rosetta spacecraft regarding comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko have identified evidence of crystalline ice known as clathrates. This finding challenges the long-standing debate over whether cometary ice is amorphous or crystalline, suggesting a specific crystalline structure exists within the comet's coma.
Parts used in the Comet 67P Study:
- ESA's Rosetta spacecraft
- Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko atmosphere (coma)
- Clathrate ices
- Crystalline ice
For decades, scientists have agreed that comets are mostly water ice, but what kind of ice—amorphous or crystalline—is still up for debate. Looking at data obtained by ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft in the atmosphere, or coma, around comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, scientists at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) are seeing evidence of a crystalline form of ice called clathrates.
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Team identifies clathrate ices in comet 67P
- What kind of ice did scientists find in comet 67P?
Scientists found evidence of a crystalline form of ice called clathrates. - How was this discovery made?
The discovery was made by looking at data obtained by ESA's Rosetta spacecraft in the comet's atmosphere. - Does this settle the debate on cometary ice types?
The article states that while scientists agree comets are mostly water ice, the specific type remains up for debate, though this study provides new evidence of crystalline forms. - Who conducted the research on comet 67P?
Scientists at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) conducted the analysis of the data. - What spacecraft provided the data for this study?
Data was obtained by ESA's Rosetta spacecraft. - Where was the data collected from?
The data was collected from the atmosphere, or coma, around comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. - Is the ice in comets always amorphous?
No, the study identifies evidence of a crystalline form called clathrates, indicating it is not always amorphous.
