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At least 217 records · Page 12

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NASA NTRS1991

Densities and abundances of hot cometary ions in the coma of P/Halley

The densities of the hot component in the ion population observed in the P/Halley coma by the ion mass spectrometer aboard the Giotto spacecraft has been recomputed, and the results are reported. Except for protons and H2(+), all densities are found to be at least an order of magnitude higher than predicted by the physicochemical model of Schmidt et al. (1988). These densities require ionization mechanisms in addition to, or stronger than, plasma compression. The change in the density of solar wind ions across a magnetic discontinuity located 135,000 km from the comet is barely distinguishable in the density profiles of hot cometary ions. This result is consistent with the interpretation that the magnetic pileup boundary detected by Giotto is due to a discontinuity in the solar wind.

Neugebauer, M.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Theoretical description of spectral line profiles of parent molecules in cometary comae

The present overview of cometary spectral-line profiles obtainable through advancements in high-resolution spectroscopic studies, which allow the retrieval of coma kinematic properties from velocity-resolved spectral-line profiles, incorporates the most important gas dynamic processes into an outflow model which is tailored to the interpretation of spectroscopic observations of parent molecules. The model is then used to study the influence on parent-molecule spectral line profile formation of the field-of-view, the expansion velocity, the kinetic temperature, and the anisotropic outflow distributions.

Hu, Hong-Yao↗

NASA NTRS1991

The development of the CO(+) coma of Comet P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1

The development of the CO(+) coma of Comet P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 is studied in spectroscopic observations indicating that the maximum rise time of the CO(+) gas is 1.2 days. This result implies a maximum creation time-scale for the CO(+) gas of the order of 100,000 sec at 5.8 AU. Evidence is adduced that dust events and gas events observed in this comet are not necessarily connected.

Cochran, Anita L.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Interpretation of the ion mass spectra in the mass per charge range 25-35 amu/e obtained in the inner coma of Halley's comet by the HIS-sensor of the Giotto IMS experiment

The IMS-HIS double-focusing mass spectrometer that flew on the Giotto spacecraft covered the mass per charge range from 12 to 56 (amu/e). By comparing flight data, calibration data and results of model calculations of the ion population in the inner coma, the absolute mass scale is established, and ions in the mass range 25 to 35 are identified. Ions resulting from protonation of molecules with high proton affinity are relatively abundant, enabling us to estimate relative source strengths for H2CO, CH3OH, HCN, and H2S, providing for the first time a positive in situ measurement of methanol. Also, upper limits for NO and some hydrocarbons are derived.

Geiss, J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Observations of solar wind ion charge exchange in the Comet Halley coma

Fuselier, S. A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Ultraviolet and visible variability of the coma of Comet Levy (1990c)

A visible lightcurve of Comet Levy obtained with the IUE Fine Error Sensor has revealed short-term coma variability. A production-rate source function is derivable from these data which implies a nucleus exhibiting hemispherically asymmetric activity. The ratio of gas-to-dust-production rates is also noted to exhibit asymmetry. The low dust-outflow velocity derived from observations, at about 200 m/sec, indicates a distribution that is rich in large, 3-10 micron particles.

Feldman, P. D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Observations of plasma dynamics in the coma of P/Halley by the Giotto ion mass spectrometer

The paper reports observations of plasma dynamics in the coma of P/Halley by the Giotto ion mass spectrometer. Measurements of protons and alpha particles from the far upstream region to the near ionopause region and of ions of mass 12-32 at distances of about 250,000 to 40,000 km from the nucleus are presented. The discontinuity known as the magnetic pileup boundary (MPB) is apparent only in proton, alpha particle, and magnetometer data, indicating that it is a tangential discontinuity of solar wind origin. No significant change is found in the properties of the heavy ions across the MPB. The issue of whether a cometopause was unambiguously observed at Comet Halley is discussed; it is concluded that the observations do not convincingly support the idea of a boundary due to internal cometary processes. A comparison of the observations to MHD models is made. The plasma flow directions at all distances greater than 30,000 km from the nucleus are in agreement with MHD calculations.

Goldstein, B. E.↗

NASA NTRS1992

HST observations of the inner coma of Comet Levy 1990c

Data reduction procedures which will make it possible to model the nucleus of future targets of cometary space missions were tested on the basis of observations of Comet Levy 1990c by the HST on September 27, 1990. Faint hemispherical shells expanding in the coma, which is structured as a sunward fan deflected by solar radiation pressure, were observed. The Eddington fountain model makes it possible to infer the ejection times of the expanding shells and the initial velocity of the dust. Three shells ejected at time intervals of 11.5 and 12.5 h with an initial velocity of 0.35 km/s were observed for dust grains of 3-micron size. The lag angle of the fan is between 10 and 15 deg, thus suggesting a time delay of the most active sublimation of 1 h after midday. The observed time periodicities suggest a nucleus rotating in 24 h with a surface characterized by two active areas placed almost exactly in opposite hemispheres, even if a longer rotation period and a more complex nucleus topography can be excluded.

Fulle, M.↗

NASA NTRS1992

The dust coma of Comet P/Giacobini-Zinner in the infrared

The paper presents 1-20-micron photometry of P/Giacobini-Zinner obtained at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, during 1985 June-September (r = 1.57-1.03 AU). A broad, weak 10-micron silicate emission feature was detected on August 26.6; a similar weak emission feature could have been hidden in the broadband photometry on other dates. The total scattering and emitting cross section of dust in the inner coma was similar to that in other short-period comets, but a factor of 10 (r = 1.56 AU) to 100 (r = 1.03 AU) lower than the amount of dust in Comet Halley. The thermal emission continuum can be fit with models weighted toward either small or large absorbing grains. The dust production rate near perihelion was about 100,000 g/s (small-grain model) to about 1,000,000 g/s (large-grain model). The corresponding dust/gas mass ratio on August 26 was about 0.1-1. A silicate-rich heterogeneous grain model with an excess of large particles is compatible with the observed spectrum of Giacobini-Zinner on August 26. Thus, weak or absent silicate emission does not necessarily imply an absence of silicates in the dust, although the abundance of silicate particles not greater than 1 micron radius must have been lower than in Comet Halley.

Hanner, M. S.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Aerobraking strategies for the sample of comet coma earth return mission

The results of a study to the validate the applicability of the aerobraking concept to the SOCCER (sample of comet coma earth return) mission using a six-DOF computer simulation of the aerobraking process are presented. The SOCCER spacecraft and the aerobraking scenario and power supply problem are briefly described. Results are presented for the spin effect, payload exposure problem, and sun angle effect.

Abe, Takashi↗

NASA NTRS1991

Densities and abundances of hot cometary ions in the coma of P/Halley

On its flight by P/Halley, the Giotto spacecraft carried a High Energy Range Spectrometer (HERS) for measuring the properties of cometary ions picked up by the solar wind in the nearly collisionless regions of the coma. Preliminary estimates of the ion densities observed by HERS were reevaluated and extended; density profiles along the Giotto trajectory are presented for 13 values of ion mass/charge. Comparison with the physical-chemical model of the interaction of sunlight and the solar wind with the comet by other researchers reveals that, with the exception of protons and H2(+), all ion densities were at least an order of magnitude higher than predicted. The high ion densities cannot be explained on the basis of compression of the plasma, but require additional or stronger ionization mechanisms. Ratios of the densities of different ion species reveal an overabundance of carbonaceous material and an underabundance of H2(+) compared to the predictions of the Schmidt. While the densities of solar wind ions (H(+) and He(++)) changed sharply across a magnetic discontinuity located 1.35(10)(exp 5) km from the comet, this feature, which has been called both the 'cometopause' and the 'magnetic pileup boundary' was barely distinguishable in the density profiles of hot cometary ions. This result is consistent with the interpretation that the magnetic pileup boundary detected by Giotto was caused by a discontinuity in the solar wind and is not an intrinsic feature of the interaction of the solar wind with an active comet.

Neugebauer, M.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Observations of solar wind ion charge exchange in the comet Halley coma

Giotto Ion Mass Spectrometer/High Energy Range Spectrometer (IMS/HERS) observations of solar wind ions show charge exchange effects and solar wind compositional changes in the coma of comet Halley. As the comet was approached, the He(++) to proton density ratio increased until about 1 hour before closest approach after which time it decreased. Abrupt increases in this ratio were also observed in the beginning and near the end of the so-called Mystery Region (8.6 - 5.5(10)(exp 5) km from the comet along the spacecraft trajectory). These abrupt increases in the density ratio were well correlated with enhanced fluxes of keV electrons as measured by the Giotto plasma electron spectrometer. The general increase and then decrease of the He(++) to proton density ratio is quantitatively consistent with a combination of the addition of protons of cometary origin to the plasma and loss of plasma through charge exchange of protons and He(++). In general agreement with the solar wind proton and He(++) observations, solar wind oxygen and carbon ions were observed to charge exchange from higher to lower charge states with decreasing distance to the comet. The more abrupt increases in the He(++) to proton and the He(++) to O(6+) density ratios in the mystery region require a change in the solar wind ion composition in this region while the correlation with energetic electrons indicates processes associated with the comet.

Fuselier, S. A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Observations of plasma dynamics in the coma of P/Halley by the Giotto Ion Mass Spectrometer

Observations in the coma of P/Halley by the Giotto Ion Mass Spectrometer (IMS) are reported. The High Energy Range Spectrometer (HERS) of the IMS obtained measurements of protons and alpha particles from the far upstream region to the near ionopause region and of ions from mass 12 to 32 at distances of about 250,000 to 40,000 km from the nucleus. Plasma parameters from the High Intensity Spectrometer (HIS) of the IMS obtained between 150,000 to 5000 km from the nucleus are also discussed. The distribution functions of water group ions (water group will be used to refer to ions of 16 to 18 m/q, where m is in AMU and q is in unit charges) are observed to be spherically symmetric in velocity space, indicating strong pitch angle scattering. The discontinuity known as the magnetic pile-up boundary (MPB) is apparent only in proton, alpha, and magnetometer data, indicating that it is a tangential discontinuity of solar wind origin. HERS observations show no significant change in the properties of the heavy ions across the MPB. A comparison of the observations to an MHD model is made. The plasma flow directions at all distances greater than 30,000 km from the nucleus are in agreement with MHD calculations. However, despite the agreement in flow direction, within 200,000 km of the nucleus the magnitude of the velocity is lower than predicted by the MHD model and the density is much larger (a factor of 4). Within 30,000 km of the nucleus there are large theoretical differences between the MHD model flow calculations for the plane containing the magnetic field and for the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field. The observations agreed much better with the pattern calculated for the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field. The data obtained by the High Energy Range Spectrometer (HERS) of the IMS that are published herein were provided to the International Halley Watch archive.

Goldstein, B. E.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Interpretation of the ion mass spectra in the mass range 25-35 obtained in the inner coma of Halley's comet by the HIS-sensor of the Giotto IMS Experiment

The IMS-HIS double-focussing mass spectrometer that flew on the Giotto spacecraft covered the mass per charge range from 12 to 56 (AMU/e). By comparing flight data, calibration data, and results of model calculations of the ion population in the inner coma, the absolute mass scale is established, and ions in the mass range 25 to 35 are identified. Ions resulting from protonation of molecules with high proton affinity are relatively abundant, enabling us to estimate relative source strengths for H2CO, CH3OH, HCN, and H2S, providing for the first time a positive in situ measurement of methanol. Also, upper limits for NO and some hydrocarbons are derived.

Geiss, J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Light curve and fan-shaped coma of comet P/Tempel 2 in 1988-1989

Visual and Photographic Monitoring observations of comet P/Tempel 2 were carried out by a Japanese amateur group 'Hoshi-no-Hiroba' in 1988-1989. We analyzed the light curve and the time variation of the fan-shaped coma. The light curve was asymmetric to the perihelion passage. The fan angle in September-October was wider than that in December. The direction of the fan generally coincided with Sekanina's prediction (1988).

Akisawa, Hiroki↗

NASA NTRS1992

A preliminary model of the coma of 2060 Chiron

We have included gravity in our fluid dynamic model with chemical kinetics of dusty comet comae and applied it with two dust sizes to 2060 Chiron. A progress report on the model and preliminary results concerning gas/dust dynamics and chemistry is given.

Boice, Daniel C.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Dust and gas jets: Evidence for a diffuse source in Halley's coma

The distribution of dust-scattered intensity in Halley's inner coma is measured with the Vega three-channel spectrometer at three selected wavelengths: 377, 482, and 607 nm. The variation along a cometo-centric radius may be described by a p(sup -s) law where p is the distance between nucleus and optical axis and s is an exponent which is equal to 1 except in an intermediate 3000 less than p less than 7000 km region where s = 1.5. The shape of the radial distribution may be explained with a model including solar radiation pressure effect and quantum scattering efficiencies calculated from Mie theory. Monochromatic images inside an angular sector having its apex at the nucleus show evidence of two dust jets which extend to 40,000 Km. The pixel-to-pixel ratio of two images of dust intensity at 377 and 482 nm shows that the scattered intensity presents an excess of blue coloration in a zone located around the jets between 10,000 and 25,000 km. This coloration is interpreted as being due to a population of sub-micronic grains which result of the fragmentation of dust particles transported in the jets. It is suggested that the diffuse source where an additional quantity of CO was detected might be connected with the presence of a dust jet. In the present scheme, grain particles with a size of several micron or 10 micron would be transported inside a dust jet to distances of several 10,000 km where they would suffer fragmentation and produce sub-micronic particles and a release of gas which would be at the origin of the diffuse source.

Clairemidi, Jacques↗

NASA NTRS1992

Evolution of near UV Halley's spectrum in the inner coma

A direct way to observe the photodissociation of water vapor in a cometary coma is to detect the OH prompt emission. This emission is shifted of delta lambda = 4 nm with respect to the OH 309 nm fluorescence band. The extended data set obtained with the three-channel spectrometer on-board Vega 2 reveals at short distance of the nucleus (i.e., less than 600 km) an excess of emission on the right wing of the OH band which may be interpreted as being mainly due to prompt emission.

Rousselot, Phillippe↗