A Case for a Small to Negligible Influence of Dust Charging on the Ionization Balance in the Coma of Comet 67P

Abstract A recent work aided by Rosetta in situ measurements set constraints on the dust-to-gas mass emission ratio and size distribution of dust escaping nucleus comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko near perihelion. Here we use this information along with other observables/parameters as input into an analytical model aimed at estimating number density electrons attached to particles position Rosetta. These theoretical estimates are compared degree ionization. The comparison proposes that Rosetta, while perihelion, was typically not electron-depleted regions inner coma 67P. Our suggests a typical level electron depletion probably below 10% possibly 1%. In line previous studies, find, again certain assumptions input, observed negative spacecraft charging few tens volts does significantly impact detection charged grains, possible exception for grains radii less than ∼10 nm.