The detection, localization, and dynamics of large icy particles surrounding Comet 103P/Hartley 2
نویسندگان
چکیده
The Deep Impact Spacecraft flew past Comet 103P/Hartley 2 on November 4th, 2010. Images revealed the comet to be enveloped in a field of debris composed of fine grained dust, ice, and hundreds of discrete millimeter to decimeter sized particles. In this work, a selection of the brightest particles are identified and photogrammetrically located in 3D space to examine their positions and dynamics. 90% of the particles detected were within 10 km of the nucleus and traveling a few meters per second or slower. The particles exhibit a high degree of temporal variability in brightness, suggesting rotating, heterogeneous and faceted geometries. This style of near-nucleus environment has not been observed in any other comet to date and it may help explain the hyperactive nature of water production on Hartley 2 and similar comets. 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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