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Comet giacobini-zinner: plasma description.

S J Bame, R C Anderson, J R Asbridge

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |April 18, 1986
    PubMed
    Summary
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    The International Cometary Explorer (ICE) spacecraft observed strong solar wind interactions with comet Giacobini-Zinner. No bow shock was detected, but a transition region, sheath, and plasma tail were identified, revealing complex cometary plasma dynamics.

    Area of Science:

    • * Space Physics
    • * Cometary Science
    • * Plasma Physics

    Background:

    • * Understanding solar wind-comet interactions is crucial for planetary science.
    • * Comet Giacobini-Zinner provided a unique natural laboratory for studying these phenomena.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • * To analyze the plasma electron data from the ICE spacecraft during its encounter with comet Giacobini-Zinner.
    • * To investigate the structure and dynamics of the comet's interaction with the solar wind.
    • * To identify upstream phenomena and characterize the cometary plasma environment.

    Main Methods:

    • * In-situ measurements using the Los Alamos plasma electron experiment on the ICE spacecraft.
    • * Observation of electron heat flux and density fluctuations.

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  • * Analysis of plasma heating, compression, and slowing in the interaction region.

    • Main Results:

    • * Observed strong solar wind interaction with comet Giacobini-Zinner, including electron heating and density fluctuations.
    • * No conventional bow shock was detected; instead, a transition region and sheath were identified.
    • * A cold intermediate coma and a high-density plasma tail were observed, analogous to Earth's magnetotail.

    Conclusions:

    • * The solar wind interaction with comet Giacobini-Zinner creates a complex plasma environment without a distinct bow shock.
    • * Cometary ion pickup and interplanetary magnetic field draping likely contribute to observed plasma structures.
    • * The findings provide insights into the plasma tail formation and magnetotail-like configurations in cometary environments.