- #1
TEFLing
- 237
- 22
Comets have high Deuterium to Hydrogen ratios. They are enriched with extra neutrons.
Comets periodically plunge close to the sun. And, the sun generates flares, which generate neutrons.
Separately, I wonder if those neutrons come from fusion of solar corona gas, trapped on magnetic field lines, during the intense heat and energy of flares. If so, then maybe flares are vaguely like a Tokomak fusion reactor, with hot gas trapped on field lines, and compressed to fusion densities during the magnetic reconnection events that trigger flares ?
But, my main question is, could solar flare neutrons blast comets, on close approach, and so gradually but inexorably convert H to D ? Could comets be neutron enriched by neutron bombardment, vaguely like the linings of nuclear reactors ?
The Earth and moon, being farther away from the sun, receive fewer neutrons from the sun. And Jupiter and Saturn fewer still. Indeed, the Earth and moon are deficient in D compared to comets, and the gas giant planets even more so.
Thanks in advance
:)
Comets periodically plunge close to the sun. And, the sun generates flares, which generate neutrons.
Separately, I wonder if those neutrons come from fusion of solar corona gas, trapped on magnetic field lines, during the intense heat and energy of flares. If so, then maybe flares are vaguely like a Tokomak fusion reactor, with hot gas trapped on field lines, and compressed to fusion densities during the magnetic reconnection events that trigger flares ?
But, my main question is, could solar flare neutrons blast comets, on close approach, and so gradually but inexorably convert H to D ? Could comets be neutron enriched by neutron bombardment, vaguely like the linings of nuclear reactors ?
The Earth and moon, being farther away from the sun, receive fewer neutrons from the sun. And Jupiter and Saturn fewer still. Indeed, the Earth and moon are deficient in D compared to comets, and the gas giant planets even more so.
Thanks in advance
:)