9
May 2002
Astronomy: Missing sulphur found
Iron sulphides have long been recognized as a major component of meteorites, but they have escaped detection in observations of objects similar to the early solar nebulae. This poses a dilemma, as sulphur is a cosmically abundant element. A broad feature identified in infrared spectra of iron sulphide grains from meteorites and interplanetary dust particles is now shown to match one seen in the Infrared Space Observatory spectra of young stellar objects. The feature, previously attributed to iron oxide, implies that iron sulphide grains are an important but previously unrecognized component of circumstellar dust.
Identification of iron sulphide grains in protoplanetary disks
L. P. KELLER, S. HONY, J. P. BRADLEY, F. J. MOLSTER, L. B. F. M. WATERS, J. BOUWMAN, A. DE KOTER, D. E. BROWNLEE, G. J. FLYNN, T. HENNING & H. MUTSCHKE
Nature 417, 148–150 (9 May 2002)
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