A NanoSIMS and Auger Nanoprobe investigation of an isotopically primitive interplanetary dust particle from the 55P/Tempel-Tuttle targeted stratospheric dust collector

An IDP nicknamed Andric, from a stratospheric dust collector targeted to collect dust from comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, contains five distinct presolar silicate and/or oxide grains in 14 ultramicrotome slices analyzed, for an estimated abundance of approximately 700 ppm in this IDP. Three of the grains are 17O-enriched and probably formed in low-mass red giant or asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars; the other two grains exhibit 18O enrichments and may have a supernova origin. Carbon and N isotopic analyses show that Andric also exhibits significant variations in its N isotopic composition, with numerous discrete 15N-rich hotspots and more diffuse regions that are also isotopically anomalous. Three 15N-rich hotspots also have statistically significant 13C enrichments. Auger elemental analysis shows that these isotopically anomalous areas consist largely of carbonaceous matter and that the anomalies may be hosted by a variety of components. In addition, there is evidence for dilution of the isotopically heavy components with an isotopically normal endmember; this may have occurred either as a result of extraterrestrial alteration or during atmospheric entry. Isotopically primitive IDPs such as Andric share many characteristics with primitive meteorites such as the CR chondrites, which also contain isotopically anomalous carbonaceous matter and abundant presolar silicate and oxide grains. Although comets are one likely source for the origin of primitive IDPs, the presence of similar characteristics in meteorites thought to come from the asteroid belt suggests that other origins are also possible. Indeed the distinction between cometary and asteroidal sources is somewhat blurred by recent observations of icy comet-like planetesimals in the outer asteroid belt.