Optical spectroscopy of comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp)
Abstract
We report the results of optical spectroscopic observations of comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp) obtained in June 1996 when the comet was at a heliocentric distance of R = 4.2 AU. Emission features due to the CN(0-0) and C3 bands are detected in the spectra. The mean flux detected from the CN(0-0) band at this time was (2.64 +/- 0.15) x 10^-14 ergs/s/cm^2. Monte-Carlo modelling of the nucleus outgassing gives a mean gas production rate Q(CN) = (2.8 +/- 0.2) x 10^26 molecules/s. Nightly variations in the outgassing rate of ~50% were detected.
- Publication:
-
Irish Astronomical Journal
- Pub Date:
- January 1997
- Bibcode:
- 1997IrAJ...24...47C