Have Stellar and Supernovae Radiations Altered the Pristine Nature of Comets?
Abstract
Effect of stellar and supernova radiations on cometary nuclei in the Oort cloud is investigated. Radiation dose received by a comet is calculated and compared with the one which Halley's comet receives by one perihelion passage. Stellar radiation provides 10 to 50% of Halley unit over 4 billion years. Inclusion of sublimation of volatile molecules such as CO or N2 does not allow the temperature to rise to 30 K by irradiation of bright OB stars, contrary to the claim of Stern and Shull. A chance encounter with a SN provides radiation dose which is just sufficient to raise to 30 K the surface layer which is 1 m thick on the assumption that the radiation is wholly communicated to the interior. Thus, the comets remain pristine under the effect of stellar and SN radiations.
- Publication:
-
Earth Moon and Planets
- Pub Date:
- June 1990
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF00055177
- Bibcode:
- 1990EM&P...49..239Y
- Keywords:
-
- Comet Nuclei;
- Radiation Effects;
- Stellar Radiation;
- Supernovae;
- Halley'S Comet;
- Oort Cloud;
- Radiation Dosage;
- Astrophysics