DOES DEBRIS FROM THE FORMATION OF OTHER PLANETARY SYSTEMS IMPACT EARTH

We calculate the expected flux of small and large particles impacting the Earth using model size distributions for the ejected debris from extrasolar planet formation. The flux of extrasolar impactors of large meteorite size and smaller at Earth should be detectable given likely size distributions, if the standard Solar System formation model is applicable to other planetary systems. We propose that the report of impactors with extrasolar velocities at the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) and by the Kharkov radar may be due to these particles, and that a number of recovered meteorites may be extrasolar. Conversely, if it can be determined that no meteorites or small meteoroids are extrasolar planetary debris, then the standard Solar System formation model will be constrained. © 1991.