The Interaction Between the Solar Wind and the Comet P/halley Atmosphere: Observations Versus Theoretical Predictions

Details The Interaction Between the Solar Wind and the Comet P/halley Atmosphere: Observations Versus Theoretical Predictions The Interaction Between the Solar Wind and the Comet P/halley Atmosphere: Observations Versus Theoretical Predictions

Jun 1993

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993a%26a...273..695b&link_type=abstract

Astronomy and Astrophysics, vol. 273, 695-706. Article.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

10

Plasmas, Shock Waves, Comets, P/Halley, Comets, Periodic Comets, Halley, Solar Wind, Interaction, Comae, Flow, Plasma, Waves, Ionosphere, Spacecraft Observations, Density, Velocity, Magnetic Field, Bowshock, Model, Calculations, Neutral Particles, Gases, Parameters

Scientific paper

The results of a self-consistent gasdynamic model of the interaction between the solar wind and a comet ionosphere developed by the authors are compared with the data of onboard measurements performed during spacecraft encounters with Comet Halley in March 1986. Theoretical profiles of plasma density and velocity, as well as magnetic field strength, are in good agreement with the experimental ones. The calculated position of the bow shock wave in the solar wind coincides with the measurements. The existence of a "shear layer", predicted by the theoretical model, is confirmed empirically. This layer where the plasma density grows catastrophically was called a "heavy ion mantle" by experimenters. Singularities in the observed profiles in the vicinity of the comet nucleus are discussed from a theoretical point of view. A velocity and temperature jump which occurred on the inward leg of Giotto's path at a distance of 5 103 km from the nucleus is interpreted as the crossing of the inner shock wave in the ion outflow from the comet. Possible ways to improve the gasdynamic model are discussed.

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