Analysis of HST pre-perihelion imaging polarimetry of Comet ISON
Abstract
We analyze the first polarization images of Comet ISON (C/2012 S1) taken during the measurement campaign of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) on UTC 2013 May 8, when the phase angle of Comet ISON was α = 12.25 degrees. We model the particles in the coma using highly irregular agglomerated debris particles. Two different polarimetric features were observed in the coma. The high positive polarization measured for the region very near the nucleus places a tight constraint on these particles. Modelling suggests that these particles are small, highly absorbing particles. The intermediate negative polarization background places a very weak constraint on the remaining particles within the coma.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AGUFM.P31A1788V
- Keywords:
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- 6005 PLANETARY SCIENCES: COMETS AND SMALL BODIES Atmospheres;
- 6015 PLANETARY SCIENCES: COMETS AND SMALL BODIES Dust;
- 6008 PLANETARY SCIENCES: COMETS AND SMALL BODIES Composition