Publication Date:
2019-06-27
Description:
The paper describes a balloon-borne system for collecting large (50 to a few hundred micrometers in the major dimension) solid particles falling through the atmosphere at an altitude of about 30 km which are postulated to be fragments of larger cosmic particles or bodies which disintegrate on entering the atmosphere. The major component of the system is the collection surface - a funnel, 7.2 m in diameter, fabricated from mylar, 12 microns thick, and lightly coated with aluminum. Also described is the sample collector, which collects the particles gathered in the apex of the cone. Two successful flights of short duration using zero-pressure balloons have been achieved. Some examples of particles collected are shown. Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, and Fe have been detected in these particles by energy dispersive X-ray analysis.
Keywords:
ASTROPHYSICS
Type:
Canadian Journal of Physics; 54; Feb. 1
Format:
text
Permalink
