ISSN:
1573-0794
Schlagwort(e):
Comets – Hale–Bopp C/1995 O1
;
rotation
;
shape
;
morphology
Quelle:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Thema:
Geologie und Paläontologie
,
Physik
Notizen:
Abstract We present constraints on the spin state of comet Hale-Bopp based on coma morphology. Three cases of rotational states are compatible with near perihelion observations: (1) principal-axis rotation, (2) complex rotational state with a small precessional angle, or (3) complex rotational state with a large ratio between the component periods. For principal axis rotators, images from 1996 (pre-perihelion) are consistent with a rotational angular momentum vector, M, directed at ecliptic longitude and latitude (250°, -5°) while images from late 1997 (post-perihelion) indicate (310°, -40°). This may suggest a change in M. A complex rotational state with small precessional angle requires only a small or no change in M over the active orbital arc. In this case, M is directed near ecliptic longitude and latitude (270°, -20°). A rotationally excited nucleus with a large ratio between component periods requires the nucleus to be nearly spherical. The transformation of dust coma morphology from near-radial jets to bright arcs and then again to near-radial jets is interpreted as a heliocentric and geocentric distance dependent evolutionary sequence. The spiral structures seen in CN filters near perihelion (in contrast to sunward side arcs seen in continuum) can be explained if the precursor of CN molecules (likely sub-micron grains) are emitted from the nucleus at low levels (≈ 10% of the peak daytime emission) during the nighttime. This may be indicative of a nucleus with a CO-rich active area(s).
Materialart:
Digitale Medien
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1006238914482
Permalink
