Physics
Scientific paper
Mar 1997
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997lpi....28.1075p&link_type=abstract
Conference Paper, 28th Annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, p. 075.
Physics
Chiron, Hubble Space Telescope, Ultraviolet Spectroscopy, Light Curve, Point Spread Functions, Particle Flux Density, Spectrographs, Faint Objects, Infrared Imagery, Planetary Radiation
Scientific paper
We present UV observations of Chiron during two epochs using the HST/Faint Object Spectrograph (HST/FOS). The first observations (1996 January 23-24 UT) were made 3 wk before Chiron's perihelion, and include a series of seven spectra obtained over 3.9 h. A single follow-up observation was made 3 mo later (1996 April 13 UT). The most intriguing result of our observations is that Chiron's UV continuum flux in April was 60 percent higher than expected from the January flux. The source of this significant increase is unknown, but may be tantalizing evidence of: a highly unusual phase function; recoating of the surface from an unobserved outburst; or a cold, persistent, near-surface 'fog' (small scale height atmosphere) that experienced a peculiar, unresolved outburst. We derive models in the analysis of these scenarios and discuss the validity of each. Chiron also exhibited a color change possibly related to this outburst.
A'Hearn Michael F.
Alan Stern S.
Festou Michel C.
Parker Joel Wm.
Weintraub David A.
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