Chondrite Parent Bodies as Escaped Satellites of Proto-Planetary Embryos

Abstract

Chondrites are composed of formerly partially molten material, known as chondrules, surrounded by fine-grained matrix. They date from the earliest times in Solar System history. However, their role in the formation of the planets is uncertain because, in part, it is not clear how they were produced. Here, we show a robust pathway for forming meteorite-producing asteroids that contain chondrules through embryo-embryo collisions during the late stages of terrestrial planet formation. Melted material from these impacts cool into chondrules and mix with unmelted material in embryo-centric disks that formed from the ejecta. This material accretes into numerous asteroid-sized satellites. These objects are later ejected onto heliocentric orbits because of gravitational encounters with other embryos, thereby becoming the parent bodies of chondrites. This mechanism provides a pathway to form chondrites in Solar System history at times commensurate with measured chondrule ages, while explaining many of their physical properties.

32 pages, 6 Figures, published in Sci. Adv

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