Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005hia....13r.770m&link_type=abstract
In: Highlights of Astronomy, Vol. 13, as presented at the XXVth General Assembly of the IAU - 2003 [Sydney, Australia, 13 - 26 J
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Comets, Space Missions
Scientific paper
Comet 9P/Tempel 1 is the target of the 8th NASA Discovery Mission Deep Impact. The focus of the ground-based observing program has been to characterize the nucleus for mission planning. We have obtained data over a full apparition from 11/97 through the present on a total of over 200 nights using 16 telescopes worldwide. The nearly 2000 images represent over 250 hours of integration. We will present the nucleus size heliocentric light curve and Afrho values vs. time and report on the status of the analysis of the rotation period. We will report on the color of the nucleus and dust coma (using BVRI filters) as a function of heliocentric distance. We have analyzed the data as a function of phase angle to infer the nucleus surface scattering properties. The comet is quite phase darkened with a linear phase function of 0.07 mag/deg and a negative value of G-parameter suggestive of a low albedo rough surface. We will also present a series of enhanced images to search for evidence of features (e.g. jets and other structures) in the dust coma. Support provided by NASA Grants NAGW-4495 NAGW-5015 NAG-54080 and NAG-59006 and through Univ. of MD subcontract Z667702 (NASA contract NASW-00004).
A'Hearn Michael F.
Bauer James M.
Belton Michael J.
Boehnhardt Hermann
Fernandez Yan
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