Understanding the Solar System through the Xenon Isotopic Record
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
Abstract
The ultimate goal of my research is to constrain the heavy noble gas content of material returned from the comet 81P/Wild 2 by the Stardust mission. The Stardust mission returned cometary matter which comprises some of the most primitive and pristine solar system material available on earth; constraining the nature of the xenon contained in cometary matter will fill a gap in the literature surrounding the heavy noble gas content of cometary material, and also provide valuable constraints on the origins and history of primitive solar system materials. To summarise, I will be conducting two parallel experiments on identical Stardust material analogues (aerogel, Q-rich organic Vigarano separate, and SW-rich lunar meteorite) using the RELAX instrument; one experiment (the control) will be conducted using the typical stepwise heating approach for each analogue component separately, the other will liberate gases from each component using closed system stepped etching (CSSE) on the entire analogue (first with HF for the SW-rich silicate component, then HNO3 for the Q-rich organic component). The 'true' results of the stepwise heating experiment will then be compared to the results of the stepped etching experiment, providing a measure of CSSE's applicability for the analysis of Stardust materials. Should this technique prove to be successful, I will acquire a Stardust sample and conduct an experiment to determine its xenon content using CSSE and RELAX.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/N504166/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2021 | |||
| 1677435 | Studentship | ST/N504166/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2019 | Thomas Lawton |
| Description | This research has broadly developed the role of noble gases in the pursuit of understanding the history of the solar system. Analyses of exotic extraterrestrial materials elucidate records of the processes and environments in which the terrestrial planets such as Earth and Mars acquired volatile elements. These data and their interpretation deepen our knowledge of the history of the solar system and provide reference for future work to expand upon. This research has overcome the technical constraints of uniquely combining analytical techniques developed by multiple institutions: - Using EPMA to evaluate lunar materials before Xe isotopic measurement in RELAX was in its infancy prior to this research - Using CSSE to discretely separate components for subsequent analysis in RELAX had not been attempted before this research The validity of cometary volatile contribution to the Earth and Moon, and subsequently the origin of the atmosphere, has been explored in this research. |
| Exploitation Route | Data collected by this research provides additional constraints through which future hypotheses of the formation and processing of solar system materials can be validated. The modelling may be employed as intended, quantifying the mixtures and modifications of noble gas compositions which trace the history of all noble gas reservoirs and the materials they may be contained within. The modelling may also be modified beyond its immediate potential to improve its reliability and the value of its results. Either circumstance adds to the arsenal of numerical tools used to unravel the history of the solar system with noble gases. The unique analytical approaches of this research provide a framework for all similar work to follow and improve upon. The positive and negative outcomes of combining previously incompatible instrumental methods are of great value to future work, and could lead to more collaborations between the often disparate noble gas and electron microprobe research communities. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Environment |
| Description | At the time of submission, the societal impact of the findings of this research is impossible to quantify. All narrative impact has been secondary to the pursuit of the research, which is far removed from any immediate commercial application, and can best be described as 'blue-sky' research. However, the pursuit of the research has left a number of consequential cultural, societal and economic impacts in its wake, whose nature are hard to define. The sharing of knowledge and materials through my collaborations with multiple international institutions may influence future decisions relating to all the types of impact you list below. The research and outreach may inspire future generations to be scientists or at least scientifically literate. The simple act of speaking with someone of a different culture has narrative impact which is difficult to project. While this research may not have an obvious impact, it is incorrect to suggest it has had none. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
| Sector | Other |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Societal,Economic,Policy & public services |
| Description | Assisted with Postgraduate Course Unit |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Title | Switching corrosive substances in association with Closed System Stepped Etching |
| Description | Using two different corrosive substances in association with the closed system stepped etching line in order to extract noble gases from different phases of one sample without the need for exposure to the atmosphere, or removal of the sample. This technique allows for a better definition of the chemical phases and noble gases they host in a sample which would otherwise be analysed by means which provide less useful information. Particularly useful for complex samples containing multiple phases susceptible to different corrosive substances, or the selective removal of unwanted phases in a controlled environment. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2015 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The impact of this technique is not yet known. Research is currently being conducted using it, and will pave the way for future applications. |
| Title | Xenon Content of Lunar Meteorite PCA 02007 |
| Description | Data containing the nature of xenon in the PCA 02007 meteorite found in Antarctica. Dataset contains the ratios of all 9 stable isotopes of Xenon, their amounts (in atoms), and the conditions under which they were extracted. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Aside from being an integral part of my research, the impact of this dataset is yet to be realised. |
| Title | Xenon Content of Organic "Q" residue of Carbonaceous Chondrite Vigarano |
| Description | Data containing the nature of xenon in the organic "Q" residue of the carbonaceous chondrite Vigarano. Dataset contains the ratios of all 9 stable isotopes of Xenon, their amounts (in atoms), and the conditions under which they were extracted. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Aside from being an integral part of my research, these data are yet to have their full impact realised. |
| Title | Xenon Isotopic Content of Apollo Sample Material |
| Description | Data containing the nature of xenon in 6 lunar samples returned by the Apollo missions. Dataset contains the ratios of all 9 stable isotopes of Xenon, their amounts (in atoms), and the conditions under which they were extracted. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The work was featured in a conference paper presented at a lunar science conference in 2017. |
| Title | Xenon component mixture model |
| Description | A model was written to reconstruct target compositions with mixtures and modifications of existing components. The model is fed xenon isotopic concentrations and calculates the probability of mixtures and modifications reaching a defined target composition. This function allows the model to suggest possible missing processes and events in the solar system which have resulted in the compositions we can measure today. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Developing this model alongside existing models of similar purpose has added depth of understanding, validation, and highlighted weaknesses for all of the involved models. The model is being used to determine the potential contribution of cometary material to the inner solar system, using results from modern in-situ spacecraft missions. |
| Description | Apollo 15 & 17 Sample Expertise |
| Organisation | Albion College |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | - Constant feedback on application of their techniques to our different specifications - Suggested improvements to sample preparation based on procurement problems and instrumental differences - Shared preliminary findings of relevant research |
| Collaborator Contribution | - Shared expertise on sample selection and preparation - Remotely validate the results of the implementation of their techniques - Provided unpublished information regarding instruments and their application with the samples - Shared preliminary findings of relevant research |
| Impact | The research would take significantly longer, and be of an inferior standard, without this collaboration. The collaboration is multi-disciplinary, as it combines the noble gas cosmochemistry and electron microprobe communities. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Apollo sample collaboration |
| Organisation | Heidelberg University |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Specialist training with equipment located in Manchester. Assistance with handling, analysis and interpretation of Apollo samples.. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sourcing of samples. Interpretation of data. |
| Impact | Contributed to understanding of noble gases in lunar samples. Work was presented at a number of conferences.. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | ETH Zurich collaboration |
| Organisation | ETH Zurich |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Xenon analysis of shared samples. Comparing parallel experiments on different instruments using same unproven technique. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Training on operation of instrument module crucial to research. Comparing parallel experiments on different instruments using same unproven technique. |
| Impact | When completed, the work will have significantly contributed to our understanding of noble gases in cometary materials, and the history of the transport of volatiles in the early solar system.The training allowed the commencement of analyses crucial for my research. Communication has been maintained throughout research, comparing the behaviour of the instruments and samples. The collaborators have featured as co-authors in all conference publications. Ultimately, any potential publications will contain their input, or be joint publications. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Title | Automaton |
| Description | Versatile noble gas isotopic and elemental mixture modelling software. Capable of probabilistic determination of the contents of noble gas reservoirs and samples. |
| Type Of Technology | Software |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Impact | First software capable of simultaneous modelling of fractionations and mixtures of multiple compositions. Built-in versatility allows the model to be extended to any new models of fractionation, all new compositions, and multiple noble gases. |
| Description | Bluedot Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Communicated research to participants of the Bluedot festival in Cheshire. The research group set up stalls where we showed members of the public samples and explained what we did at the university. This was another event where the participants were maybe not the typical consumers of scientific information, with most being fans of music or festivals. The event was successful in engaging members of the public with my research, and potentially impacting their decision to study, research, or invest in space science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Bradford Media Museum Research Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Attended an event where numerous groups of schoolchildren from deprived areas in Bradford were introduced to the research I conduct at the university. Six classes of children, who may not have been aware of the opportunities for them in space science research, were given the opportunity to ask questions and inquire about their options for careers in research. A number of students were clearly inspired to explore the possibility of a career in planetary science research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | British Planetary Science Conference, Glasgow, 2017 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presented my research to a professional researchers and companies interested in planetary science. The audience comprised of people from the entire country, ranging from civil servants with direct influence over policies in government, to senior researchers from other institutions. The presentation sparked a discussion regarding the impact and future direction of my research area. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Community Outreach Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Residents of the local area were invited to discuss the research the university conducts with researchers at the university. We set up stalls from which we gave examples of the research we conduct. The areas which surround the university are quite deprived relative to the national average, so this was a great opportunity to communicate with people who may not have much exposure to the options that further education provides. This provided and opportunity to reassure students and parents that pursuing a career in space science was possible regardless of background. Some of the attendees were not aware of the possibilities of a scientific career. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Earth and Solar System Blog |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Posted a number of blog articles on the research group's blog site, covering conferences I had attended and my research. This content is shared with the general public via subscribers and shared via social media, so the impact is hard to determine. Readers, including school teachers and other researchers have since expressed that the blog helps them educate themselves, and their children. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | European Researcher's Night |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Communicated research to other active researchers in the region. We set up stalls to discuss our technical aspects of our research with other researchers from nearby universities. This provided an opportunity to identify common aspects of our research with other subjects which we were not previously aware of, and raised the profile of research in planetary science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Manchester Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The general public were invited to an event hosted by the city of manchester where various research groups in the university communicated their research and the general subjects they practiced. From schoolchildren selecting their gcse or A-level subjects, to undergraduates and members of the public considering further education, careers, or funding opportunities in space science, the impact of this event is hard to quantify. The response from the public was very positive. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017 |
| Description | Presentation at: Extraterrestrials Research Meeting, Manchester, 2016 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Researchers from across the country attended a conference presentation of my research and approached me to discuss it afterwards. Audience members exhibited interest in my work, and suggested applications and ideas relevant to their interests. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Science X Extravaganza |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The public were invited to meet research groups from the university who communicated their research and the general subjects they practiced. This event was special in that it targeted an audience which may not usually attend such events, due to being hosted in a shopping centre. It was obvious that many participants had very different perceptions of our research until we explained it to them. It is hard to tell how significant the impact of this event was, but the reception from the public was very positive, from all age brackets and social groups. It is also worth noting that the 2016 event was conducted as part of the European city of Science festival, so many participants were european tourists and policy makers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017 |
| Description | Space Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | We were invited to man a stall at the space conference at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, where investors and businesses had set up stalls for commercial, engineering, and knowledge-based aspects of space science. This gave me an opportunity to discuss the potential commercial aspects of the research I am conducting, and the engineering requirements to expand on my research. The nature of my research meant that it was hard to grasp the immediate impact of these conversations, but I received feedback suggesting I had influenced their ideas of the immediate and future demands of planetary science, and what they may be able to do about it. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |