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Title:
Optical observations of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Authors:
Weiler, M.; Rauer, H.; Helbert, J.
Affiliation:
AA(Institute of Planetary Research, DLR, Rutherfordstrasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany), AB(Institute of Planetary Research, DLR, Rutherfordstrasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany), AC(Optical Information Systems and Space Sensor Technologies, DLR, Rutherfordstrasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany)
Publication:
Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.414, p.749-755 (2004) (A&A Homepage)
Publication Date:
02/2004
Origin:
A&A
Astronomy Keywords:
comets: general, comets: individual: 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
DOI:
10.1051/0004-6361:20031610
Bibliographic Code:
2004A&A...414..749W

Abstract

From longslit spectra obtained during the 1996 perihelion passage of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, a CN production rate of (1.35 ± 0.35) × 1025 molecules s-1 was determined and an upper limit for the C3 production rate of 1 × 1025 molecules s-1 was derived. The dust color and dust activity were determined from the continuum light in the spectra. A neutral dust color was determined between 4070 Å and 4600 Å. The CN production rate and the Afρ parameter, determined to (428.2 ± 59.8) cm, were similar to the values of the 1982 perihelion passage, indicating that the comet's activity did not change significantly in recent orbital passages. A first crude estimate of the dust production rate indicates a high dust to gas mass ratio.

R-filter images taken in March 2003 were used to study the dust coma morphology. Two jet structures were seen in the coma; these structures show no variations within the observing period from March 7 to May 30, 2003. The orientation of these stationary structures suggests an inclination of the rotation axis of the nucleus of approximately 40o with respect to the orbital plane.

Based on observations collected at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP), France, and Thüringer Landessternwarte Tautenburg (TLS), Germany.

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