Dust Properties in Comets and Protoplanetary Disks

Abstract

Our fundamental science goal is to characterize the connections between grain (siliceous and carbonaceous) mineralogy and the origins and evolution of disks and protoplanetesimals. To achieve this goal, we proposed a cooperative agreement which was divided into two separate yet complementary work efforts: 1) the study of solar system comets and 2) the study of dusty protoplanetary disks. In this final report we look at the goals achieved in each of these efforts and compare them with our initial stated goals. We also highlight our scientific findings accomplished under this JRI work effort.