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Comet Sugano-Saigusa-Fujikawa (1983V)--a small, puzzling comet
M S Hanner1, R L Newburn, H Spinrad
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91109, USA.
The Astronomical Journal
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Spectroscopic and infrared observations of Comet Sugano-Saigusa-Fujikawa revealed low abundances of minor species and a small nuclear radius. Water production rates were significant during its Earth approach in June 1983.
Area of Science:
- Cometary science
- Astronomy
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Comet Sugano-Saigusa-Fujikawa (1983V) approached Earth in June 1983.
- Understanding cometary composition and physical properties is crucial for planetary science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the composition and physical characteristics of Comet Sugano-Saigusa-Fujikawa.
- To determine production rates of key species and estimate nuclear size.
Main Methods:
- Spectroscopic and infrared observations were conducted.
- Photometry was used to estimate nuclear radius.
- Production rates of atomic oxygen ([O I]) and water were calculated.
Main Results:
- Observed [O I] production rates ranged from 1.8 to 7 x 10(26) atoms/s.
- Derived water production rates were 3 x 10(27) mol/s and 1.1 x 10(28) mol/s.
- Abundances of NH2, CN, C2, and C3 were unusually low relative to [O I].
- The estimated upper limit for the average nuclear radius was approximately 370 m.
- Dust-to-gas mass ratios were <0.01 and <0.005.
Conclusions:
- Comet Sugano-Saigusa-Fujikawa exhibited low abundances of volatile species.
- The comet's nucleus is relatively small.
- The low dust-to-gas ratio suggests a composition depleted in dust.