Paper:	Imaging of Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner
Volume:	420, Bioastronomy 2007: Molecules, Microbes and Extraterrestrial Life
Page:	103
Authors:	Pittichová, J.; Kelley, M. S.; Woodward, C. E.; Meech, K. J.
Abstract:	We report on ground-based optical and space infrared observations of comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. Our data indicate that the comet is quite active with fairly uniform coma emission out to R ∼ 3.8 AU, absent large numbers of jets or other coma features. Dust production measurements combined with no visibly detected extended coma emission suggest that comet activity turned off ∼ 3.8 AU post-perihelion. The color of the coma is slightly redder than the Sun, and no variations in the light curve of 21P were evident. The 24 micron Spitzer image shows a strong dust coma and tail, but no evidence for a dust trail, even though this comet is the parent body of the Draconid meteor stream.

Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Conference Series

© Copyright 1988 - 2024 - Astronomical Society of the Pacific
No part of the material protected by this copyright may be reproduced or used in any form other than for personal use without written permission from the ASP.

Page generated in 0.041 seconds