Dust Observations of Comet p/ Halley by the Plasma Wave Analyser

Details Dust Observations of Comet p/ Halley by the Plasma Wave Analyser Dust Observations of Comet p/ Halley by the Plasma Wave Analyser

Nov 1987

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1987a%26a...187...83t&link_type=abstract

Astronomy and Astrophysics, Vol. 187, NO. 1&2/NOV(I), P. 83, 1987

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

19

Scientific paper

This paper reports the electric field observations made with the high-frequency plasma-wave analyser, during the Vega spacecraft encounters with comet Halley on 1986, March 6 and 9. Electric fields are measured in the bandwidth 0-300 kHz with an antenna made of two spheres separated by a distance of 11 m. As the nucleus is approached, the average amplitude and bandwidth of the AC electric field increase dramatically; at frequencies above 1 kHz, the power law index of the electric field spectrum is about - 3.4 (E2 ˜ ƒ-3.4), a value close to those reported elsewhere for random electric pulses induced by dust particles. Moreover, a strong correlation is found between spikes in the quasi-static electric field and small-scale variations in dust count rates for masses less than 10-12 g. Finally we identify several large scale gradients in the AC electric field intensity within 140,000 km from the nucleus which are believed to be associated with enhancements of dust jet activity. The locations of these gradients are used to estimate the apparent rotation period of the cometary nucleus and the radial velocity of the small dust particles.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Dust Observations of Comet p/ Halley by the Plasma Wave Analyser 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 Dust Observations of Comet p/ Halley by the Plasma Wave Analyser, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dust Observations of Comet p/ Halley by the Plasma Wave Analyser will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1712396