Investigation of the nucleus and coma of Comet P/Arend-Rigaux

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/165974· OSTI ID:5331733

Millis, R L; A'hearn, M F; Campins, H

Narrow-band photometry of Comet P/Arend-Rigaux in the visible and near-ultraviolet are presented for six nights during the 1884/1985 apparition, including three nights of simultaneous observations in the thermal infrared made with the NASA IRTF. The results indicate a period of rotation of 13.47 hr, dimensions for the nucleus of 13 x 8 x 8 km (under the assumption of prolate spheroid shape), and a steady decrease in the comet's gas production from a month before perihelion to more that two months after perihelion. Results for the nucleus and the coma suggest that the nucleus is totally covered with a nonvolatile mantle. 51 references.

• Research Organization: Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ (USA); Maryland Univ., College Park (USA); Science Applications International Corp., Tucson, AZ (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5331733
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 324; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COMETS
DIFFUSION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GASEOUS DIFFUSION
MORPHOLOGY
MOTION
NEAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
PHOTOMETRY
RADIATIONS
ROTATION
SPECTRA
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRA
VARIATIONS
VISIBLE SPECTRA