A study published in Science Advances by researchers at Rice University provides new data on the distribution of phosphorus and nitrogen in the early solar system.
By analyzing iron meteorites and chondrites, the researchers suggest that the formation of Jupiter played a significant role in the availability of these elements. The study concludes that Earth likely acquired its nitrogen and phosphorus primarily from the inner solar system.
Methodology and Key Findings
Researchers recreated the crystallization process of iron meteorites in a laboratory to determine the chemical composition of the planetesimals from which they originated. Iron meteorites are remnants of the metallic cores of early planetesimals that formed over 4.5 billion years ago. The study examined the phosphorus-to-nitrogen (P/N) ratio in these bodies.
Phosphorus-to-Nitrogen Ratios
- First-Generation Planetesimals (Iron Meteorites): Analysis showed that parent bodies from the inner solar system had a lower P/N ratio than those from the outer solar system.
- Second-Generation Planetesimals (Chondrites): The researchers found the opposite trend in later-formed chondrites. In these bodies, the P/N ratio was higher in the inner solar system and decreased moving outward.
Interpretations of Jupiter's Role
The researchers propose that the growth of the planet Jupiter may have blocked the transport of phosphorus and nitrogen from the inner to the outer solar system. This, they suggest, influenced the distribution of these elements in later-forming planetesimals.
Origin of Earth's Elements
The study reports that Earth's current P/N signature is most closely matched by materials from the inner solar system. The researchers state that this indicates Earth acquired its phosphorus and nitrogen primarily from the inner solar system, rather than requiring a significant contribution from outer solar system chondrites.
Funding
The research was funded by NASA grants 80NSSC18K0828 and 80NSSC22K0635.