Are large organic molecules in comets similar to the Diffuse Interstellar Bands carriers?
Abstract
We suggest that the refractory organic material found by COSIMA in 67P/CG comet dust (Fray et al., 2016) is made of aggregates of the same organic molecules which are present in the interstellar medium (ISM) and are producing in observed stellar spectra the absorptions called Diffuse Interstellar Bands (DIBs). Such a link would increase the scientific interest of a comet sample return mission, addressing both comets and interstellar material. The refractory character of comet organic matter does not necessitate a cooled return capsule, an important sample return mission cost-driver.
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