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Dryad

Supplemental data and figures behind: Atomic-scale element and isotopic investigation of 25Mg-rich stardust from a H-burning supernova

Data files

Mar 25, 2024 version files 14.20 KB
Mar 24, 2024 version files 14.20 KB

Abstract

We have discovered a presolar olivine from ALH 77307 with the highest 25Mg isotopic composition measured in a silicate to date (δ25Mg = 3025.1‰ ± 38.3‰). Its isotopic compositions challenge current stellar models, with modelling of Mg, Si and O showing a closest match to formation in a supernova where hydrogen ingestion occurred in the pre-supernova phase. Presolar grains within primitive astromaterials retain records of processes and environmental changes throughout stellar evolution. However, accessing these records has proved challenging due to the average grain size (~150 nm) of presolar silicates, their sensitivity to extraction agents and instrumental restrictions, limiting the range of isotopic and chemical signatures which can be studied per grain volume. Here, we present the first known detailed, geochemical study of a presolar silicate from a H-burning supernova, studied in 3D without contributions to the analysis volume and at unprecedented spatial resolutions (< 1 nm), essential for constraining physical and chemical processes occurring within this recently proposed stellar environment. From our results, we infer either; [1] condensation within an environment depleted of heavy elements compatible with the olivine lattice under the pressure and temperature conditions during condensation. [2] during periods of limited mixing either near the end of the pre-supernova phase or from a collapse so rapid localised pockets of different gas compositions formed.