Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Jun 1993
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993apj...409..790c&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 409, no. 2, p. 790-797.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
16
Astronomical Photometry, Comet Nuclei, Emission Spectra, Halley'S Comet, Astronomical Models, Light Curve, Comets, Halley, Production Rate, Emissions, Carbon, Cyanogen, Model, Amino Radical, Periodicity, Oxygen, Lightcurve, Gases, Production Rate, Comet Nuclei, Amplitude, Photometry, Molecular Processes, Analysis, Time Dependency, Distance, Parent Material
Scientific paper
Spatial profiles of C2, CN, NH2, and O(D-1) in Comet P/Halley taken on 1986 March 1.54 and 2.55 and April 14.32 and 15.30 clearly show the effect of the 7 day periodic variation seen in photometric observations. With a time-dependent model based upon the light curve and employing standard scale lengths for each species reduced to the appropriate heliocentric distance, we are able to reproduce the highly variable profiles for all species. We computed the phase lag and amplitude correction between the actual gas production at the nucleus and the temporal/spatial filter imposed by the finite aperture photometry. For early March we find a phase lag and amplitude correction of 12 hr and -9 percent, respectively, whereas in mid-April the values are 6 hr and -27 percent. The same phase lag and amplitude correction work equally well for all four species despite their wide variation in photochemical lifetimes for production and decay. The same model integrated over circular apertures is able to reproduce the entire published March and April photometric light curves for C2. Our results require the use of the 7.60 day period for the March data as opposed to the 7.37 day period that is relevant for the April data, in agreement with the published analysis of the photometric data. Our results will help to reconcile the placement of active areas on the surface of Halley's comet with various remote observations and spacecraft images of the nucleus.
Combi Michael R.
Fink Uwe
No associations
LandOfFree
P/Halley - Effects of time-dependent production rates on spatial emission profiles 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 P/Halley - Effects of time-dependent production rates on spatial emission profiles, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and P/Halley - Effects of time-dependent production rates on spatial emission profiles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1735022