Physical characteristics of the plasma tail of comet C/2009 R1 (McNaught)
Abstract
We determined brightness distribution in the plasma tail of comet C/2009 R1 (McNaught) using observations with a small Newtonian reflector (200/1000) on June 9–12, 2010. Images of the comet were detected using short exposures with a Canon CMOS APS-C camera. The brightness distribution is simulated and the parameters of the cometary plasma tail are obtained within the diffusion model. The magnetic field induction in the cometary tail, lifetime of light particles, and the lengthwise and transverse ion diffusion coefficients are estimated.
- Publication:
-
Kinematics and Physics of Celestial Bodies
- Pub Date:
- September 2012
- DOI:
- 10.3103/S0884591312050030
- Bibcode:
- 2012KPCB...28..245B
- Keywords:
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- Interplanetary Magnetic Field;
- Celestial Body;
- Brightness Distribution;
- Cometary Nucleus;
- Magnetic Field Induction