Electronic Resource
Springer
Astrophysics and space science
268 (1999), S. 115-124
ISSN:
1572-946X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract The possibility that crystalline formaldehyde polymers are present in cometary dust is discussed. In common with most other parent molecules proposed for comets, (H2CO)n is difficult to detect, even if it is present in relatively high concentrations. The optical properties of these polymers in the visual and infrared regions are similar to those of silicate grains, and crystalline formaldehyde polymers provide no emission at 6 cm wavelength. The lifetime of gaseous H2CO in the solar radiation field is too short, and the expected transitions in the microwave region would be too weak to be detected. However, the available data concerning the physical properties of comets indicate that polymerized formaldehyde cannot be ruled out as a major constituent of cometary material.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1002452904168
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