Articles in 2023

MicrOmega characterized the population of carbonates detected in the bulk components and in individual grains of the Ryugu returned samples. Two main carbonate families are detected, which were likely formed via two distinct processes at different stages in the early Solar System.

Through mapping the gamma-ray flux in giant molecular clouds, it appears that low-energy cosmic rays hardly penetrate into dense, potentially star-forming, clumps. This finding implies a slower diffusion of cosmic rays in these clumps, possibly caused by higher levels of magnetic turbulence than anticipated.

From an end-to-end model that characterizes the host galaxy, environment and progenitors of the binary neutron star merger gravitational wave event GW170817, the preferred solution is 2 low-metallicity stars of >10 solar masses that were born during Cosmic Noon, interacted repeatedly and remained bound even through 2 supernovae.

Lunar high-concentration ferric ion (Fe³⁺/∑Fe > 40%) and ~63% of nanophase metallic iron (npFe⁰) are produced via charge disproportionation of ferrous iron from micrometeoroid impacts, as observed in the Chang’e-5 sample. This ongoing process would lead to a continuously increasing abundance of Fe³⁺ in the lunar regolith.