Optically Thick Spectral Models for Coma Volatiles in Comets Tempel 1, Hartley 2 and Garradd
Abstract
We have built a coma model that includes radiative transfer to model comets including optical depth effects. Recent space missions (e.g. Deep Impact & EPOXI) have provided spectra from comets of unprecedented spatial resolution of the regions of the coma near the nucleus and demonstrate the need for better modeling of comae with optical depth effects included. We have adapted the Coupled Escape Probability method of radiative transfer calculations for use in asymmetrical spherical situations and applied it to modeling molecular emission spectra of potentially optically thick cometary comae. We present results of interest for CO, H2O and CO2 focusing on Comets Tempel 1, Hartley 2 and Garradd. Although primarily motivated by the need for modeling comets, our (asymmetric spherical) radiative transfer model could be used for studying other astrophysical phenomena as well, including (exo-)planetary atmospheres.
- Publication:
-
AAS/Division for Planetary Sciences Meeting Abstracts #44
- Pub Date:
- October 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012DPS....4451001G