Rocky Bits in Comets: Formation from Dust?

In summary, cometary nuclei are made up of a combination of rock, dust, water ice, and frozen gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and ammonia. However, it is unclear how the rock component is formed as it typically requires high heat and pressure, which may not be present in the outer regions where comets are found. It is suggested that some comets may originate from the Kuiper Belt, while others may come from the asteroid belt or from within the solar system. Collisions may also contribute to the formation of rocky components in cometary nuclei.
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anorlunda
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Wikipedia says "Cometary nuclei are composed of an amalgamation of rock, dust, water ice, and frozen gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and ammonia.["

I don't see where the rock comes from. In my mind, rock can be formed from dust only by application to lots of heat and pressure.

How did Kupier Belt objects get exposed to heat and pressure?

Or is there another mechanism to form rock from dust?

Or did the rocky bits form in the inner parts of the disc and get ejected to the outer parts?
 
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  • #2
anorlunda said:
How did Kupier Belt objects get exposed to heat and pressure?

not all comets come from the Kuiper Belt many of them originate from the asteroid belt
That doesn't negate the possibility of lumps of rock existing further out left over from the formation of the solar system :)

I suggest you are looking at it with a slightly narrowed perspective :)

And from what I have read it would appear as tho this latest comet in the news for the landing there-on, falls into the "within the solar system" origins

Dave
 
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I would venture a guess that collisions would produce heat and pressure.
 

1. How do rocky bits form in comets?

Rocky bits in comets are believed to form from dust particles that are pulled together by electrostatic forces, as well as through collisions and accretion. These dust particles come from the comet's nucleus or from other sources such as the solar system's asteroid belt.

2. What is the composition of these rocky bits?

The composition of rocky bits in comets can vary, but they are primarily made up of silicate minerals such as olivine and pyroxene, as well as carbonaceous material. They may also contain trace amounts of water and other volatile compounds.

3. How do scientists study the formation of rocky bits in comets?

Scientists study the formation of rocky bits in comets through analyzing samples returned from comet missions, such as NASA's Stardust and ESA's Rosetta missions. They also study comets using telescopes and other instruments, as well as through computer simulations and laboratory experiments.

4. Can rocky bits in comets provide information about the early solar system?

Yes, rocky bits in comets can provide valuable information about the early solar system. These bits can contain pristine materials that have remained unchanged since the formation of the solar system, providing insight into the conditions and processes that existed during that time.

5. Are rocky bits in comets similar to the rocky planets in our solar system?

While rocky bits in comets share some similarities with the rocky planets in our solar system, they are also significantly different. Comets are much smaller and primarily made up of ice and dust, while the rocky planets are larger and have more complex compositions. Additionally, the formation processes of these objects are also different.

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