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Bare nucleus of comet Neujmin 1

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/165249· OSTI ID:6017749
Simultaneous visible and infrared observations of comet P/Neujmin 1 1984c are presented which show that the comet has a large (mean radius 10 km), dark (geometric albedo 2-3 percent) nucleus with a surface which is mostly inert material but which still shows a low level of gaseous activity. This is the first physical evidence that cometary nuclei can leave behind an inert body after the coma activity ceases. No asteroid or asteroid class has been found to match the reflectance and albedo of this comet except possibly some D asteroids. 57 references.
Research Organization:
Science Applications International Corp., Tucson, AZ; Maryland Univ., College Park
OSTI ID:
6017749
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 316; ISSN ASJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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