Carbon From Outer Space Older Than Our Sun

Roland Piquepaille writes "While looking at interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) found in the Earth's stratosphere, researchers from the Washington University in St. Louis have found carbon older than the Solar System. They identified the organic material by its carbon isotopic composition, different from the one of carbon found on Earth. "Our findings are proof that there is presolar organic material coming into the Solar System yet today," said Christine Floss, the leading scientist. "This material has been preserved for more than 4.5 billion years, which is the age of the Solar System. It's amazing that it has survived for so long." This overview contains more details and references. It also contains pictures including the one of a sample's isotopic structure at a sub-micrometer scale."

Comments

Ancient Carbon Origin

[no longer myself]

A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far, Far, Away...

Jabba the Hut had Lando freeze a bunch of people including Han Solo in Carbonite. He hung Han on the wall where he was later rescued. The rest got launched into space and were used for target practice. This was probably their remains.

Ah, come on... It's late, it's Friday, and it's supposed to be funny! :-)

Vacuum cleaner?

[zeux]

looking at interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) found in the Earth's stratosphere

How do you do that? You catch them with a giant Swiffer mop?

obligatory simpsons quote

[longhairedgnome]

Homer: Oh my God ... my middle name is right behind that shrub! I'll finally know what "J" stands for. From this moment forth, I will be known as Homer ... [he pushes back the shrub] ... Jay Simpson! [wipes away a tear] It's so beautiful. What a magical gift for my mother to leave me. Seth: She also left your old poncho. [kneeling down, he pulls a cloth out from under a dog]

Seth: Get off of there, Ginsberg!