Spectral and polarization peculiarities of comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko (1982f).

A comparison of ground-based spectrograms of comet 1982f indicates that a rare phenomenon was observed on December 12, 1982: the surface fragmentation of the nucleus and the possible ejection of a dust halo from the nucleus. Comet spectra for December 12-16, 1982 are characterized by a continuum, Fraunhofer lines, and CN emission. Bands of hydroxyl, carbon monosulfide, and CO2 ions were observed along with a continuous spectrum in the UV spectrum recorded in space. The degree of comet polarization during December 12-16 was roughly 0 percent.