Solar and cosmochemical data show that the Sun contains high levels of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. Researchers have published a new solar composite that combines the latest data from the objects.
Kuiper belt, asteroids, comets and solar measurements. Combining spectroscopic data with helioseismological findings, this revolutionary analysis reveals that the sun contains higher levels of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen than previously thought.

A team led by scientists at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) combined data on the composition of primitive bodies such as Kuiper Belt Objects, asteroids, and comets with new data on the Sun to develop a revised composition of the Sun. This updated model will be able to combine for the first time two important methods of studying the Sun: spectroscopy and helioseismology. While helioseismology investigates the interior of the Sun by analyzing its internal waves, spectroscopy examines the Sun’s surface, identifying elements by their unique spectral signatures.

Research results and methodology

A published study AAS Astrophysical JournalIt solves an age-old problem known as the “solar overload” problem.

SwRI Research Assistant Dr. “This is the first time this type of interdisciplinary analysis has been performed, and our comprehensive data set shows higher levels of solar carbon, nitrogen and oxygen than previously thought,” explained Ngoc Chiong. “Models of solar system formation using new solar composition predict the compositions of large Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) and carbonaceous chondrite meteorites in light of samples of recently returned asteroids Ryugu and Bennu from JAXA’s Hayabusa-2 and NASA’s OSIRIS.” reproducing successfully – REx tasks”.

Data sources and predictive value

To make the discovery, the team combined new measurements of solar neutrinos and data on the composition of the solar wind from NASA’s Genesis mission with abundant water found in primitive meteors in the outer Solar System. They also used the density of large KBOs such as Pluto and its moon Charon determined by NASA’s New Horizons mission.

“This work provides testable predictions for future helioseismological, solar neutrino and cosmochemical measurements, including future comet sample return missions,” Truong said. he said. “The composition of the Sun is used to calibrate other stars and to understand the composition and formation of objects in the Solar System. These discoveries will improve our understanding of the chemistry of the primordial solar nebula and the formation of many objects in the Solar System.”

Consequences of the formation of the Solar System

The team examined the role of refractory tar-like organic compounds as the main carbon carrier in the protosolar nebula. Models of the formation of the Solar System using organic matter measurements from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and the most common coefficients of the Sun’s composition did not reveal a dense rocky Pluto-Charon system.

Planetary geochemist Dr. from SwRI. “With this work, we think we finally understand the mixture of chemical elements that created the Solar System,” said Christopher Glein. “There is more carbon, nitrogen and oxygen than currently thought. This new information gives us a stronger basis for understanding what the elemental content of giant planet atmospheres can tell us about planet formation. We are already on NASA’s next target, Uranus and We look beyond.”

Expanded research impact and future directions

In the search for habitable exoplanets, scientists spectroscopically measure the elemental content of stars to infer the composition of planets orbiting a star, using the composition of stars as a proxy for planets.

“Our discoveries will have a profound impact on our understanding of the formation and evolution of other stars and planetary systems and, more importantly, provide a broader perspective on the chemical evolution of the galaxy,” Truong said. he said.