Document Type
Article
Abstract
Earth- and space-based observations provide synergistic information for space mission encounters by providing data over longer timescales, at different wavelengths and using techniques that are impossible with an in situ flyby. We report here such observations in support of the EPOXI spacecraft flyby of comet 103P/Hartley 2. The nucleus is small and dark, and exhibited a very rapidly changing rotation period. Prior to the onset of activity, the period was ~16.4 hr. Starting in 2010 August the period changed from 16.6 hr to near 19 hr in December. With respect to dust composition, most volatiles and carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios, the comet is similar to other Jupiter-family comets. What is unusual is the dominance of CO2-driven activity near perihelion, which likely persists out to aphelion. Near perihelion the comet nucleus was surrounded by a large halo of water-ice grains that contributed significantly to the total water production.
Publication Date
January 2011
Publication Title
The Astrophysical Journal Letters
Volume
734
Issue
1
First Page
L1
Last Page
L9
DOI
10.1088/2041-8205/734/1/L1
Recommended Citation
Meech, K.; A'Hearn, M.; Adams, J.; Bacci, P.; Bai, J.; Barrera, L.; Battelino, M.; Bauer, J.; Becklin, E.; Bhatt, B.; Biver, N.; Bockelee-Morvan, D.; Bodewits, D.; Bohnhardt, H.; Boissier, J.; Bonev, B.; Borghini, W.; Brucato, J.; Bryssinck, E.; Buie, M.; Canovas, H.; Castellano, D.; Charnley, S.; Chen, W.; Chiang, P.; Choi, Y.; Christian, D.; Chuang, Y.; Cochran, Anita; Colom, P.; Combi, M.; Coulson, I.; Crovisier, J.; Russo, N.; Dennerl, K.; DeWahl, K.; DiSanti, M.; Facchini, M.; Farnham, T.; Fernandez, Y.; Floren, H.; Frisk, U.; Fujiyoshi, T.; Furusho, R.; Fuse, T.; Galli, G.; Garcia-Hernandez, D.; Gersch, A.; and Getu, Z., "EPOXI: Comet 103P/Hartley 2 Observations from a Worldwide Campaign ; Astrophysical Journal Letters" (2011). Physics Faculty Works. 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/2041-8205/734/1/L1
Available at:
https://irl.umsl.edu/physics-faculty/2