Short Abstract: We aim to understand and determine which structural properties of the MIDAS dust particle remained pristine during collection. First, we generate sophisticated dust maps showing the distribution of the dust particles on the collection targets and investigate dust clustering, i.e., determination of which particles stem from a single parent particle that fragmented upon the collection impact. We use an algorithm to determine from which cometary source regions which MIDAS particles were stemming. Next, we develop MIDAS particle shape descriptors such as aspect ratio, elongation, circularity, convexity, and particle surface/volume distribution. Furthermore, we compare structures of the MIDAS dust particles and clusters to those found in the laboratory experiments and by COSIMA/Rosetta. Finally, we combine our findings to calculate a pristinity score for MIDAS particles and determine the most pristine particles and their properties.

recording: www.youtube.com/watch