Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-05-17
Astron.Astrophys. 518 (2010) L150
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
7 figures, v2: minor changes, updated version of arXiv:1005.2969v1. Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics, He
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361/201014665
High-resolution far-infrared and sub-millimetre spectroscopy of water lines is an important tool to understand the physical and chemical properties of cometary atmospheres. We present observations of several rotational ortho- and para-water transitions in comet C/2008 Q3 (Garradd) performed with HIFI on Herschel. These observations have provided the first detection of the 2_{12}-1_{01} (1669 GHz) ortho and 1_{11}-0_{00} (1113 GHz) para transitions of water in a cometary spectrum. In addition, the ground-state transition 1_{10}-1_{01} at 557 GHz is detected and mapped. By detecting several water lines quasi-simultaneously and mapping their emission we can constrain the excitation parameters in the coma. Synthetic line profiles are computed using excitation models which include excitation by collisions, solar infrared radiation, and radiation trapping. We obtain the gas kinetic temperature, constrain the electron density profile, and estimate the coma expansion velocity by analyzing the map and line shapes. We derive water production rates of 1.7-2.8 x 10^{28} s^{-1} over the range r_h = 1.83-1.85 AU.
Banaszkiewicz Marek
Bensch Frank
Benz Arnold O.
Bergin Edwin A.
Biver Nicolas
No associations
LandOfFree
HIFI Observations of Water in the Atmosphere of Comet C/2008 Q3 (Garradd) 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 HIFI Observations of Water in the Atmosphere of Comet C/2008 Q3 (Garradd), we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and HIFI Observations of Water in the Atmosphere of Comet C/2008 Q3 (Garradd) will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-299426