Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 1996
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996aps..dpp..7e01d&link_type=abstract
American Physical Society, Division of Plasma Physics Meeting, November 10-15, 1996, abstract #7E.01
Physics
Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Observations of X-ray emission from comet Hyakutake (Science 272,194, 1996) appear to have been a surprise to most comet researchers. This was the first time that an x-ray image of a comet has been obtained. Existing plasma data suggests that this observation should not have been a surprise. Data obtained from the encounter with comet Halley by spacecraft (Nature 321, 1986; GRL 13, 1986) showed strong plasma wave turbulence and energetic electrons in the region of comet Halley which corresponds closely to the region where the X-rays were observed from comet Hyakutake. Plasma wave turbulence observed was close to the lower-hybrid frequency range where waves are very effective in energizing electrons to the required energies. We show that the interaction of the commentary plasma and the solar wind produce waves in the lower-hybrid frequency range which produce super thermal electrons with energies in the range of 100eV to 1000eV. These produce bremsstrahlung and excite k shell electrons of oxygen, carbon and heavy elements to produce the observed X-rays. The X-ray production is of the order of 10^7 watts, which is of order of that observed. X-ray brightness changed with time; probably reflecting variations in solar wind speed and density. Observations of this type show changing solar wind conditions o the comet.
Bingham B.
Dawson John M.
Shapiro Vitali D.
No associations
LandOfFree
Generation of X-Rays from Comet Hyakutake does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Generation of X-Rays from Comet Hyakutake, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Generation of X-Rays from Comet Hyakutake will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1146672