New or Increased Cometary Activity in (2060) 95P/Chiron
Abstract
Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) observations of Centaur (2060) 95P/Chiron show a brightening in the apparent magnitude not due rotational light curves or phase effects. This onset or enhancement of cometary activity started after 2021 February 8 UT and continued in later observations from 2021 June 18 UT onward. Recent ATLAS observations and deeper follow-up imaging obtained using the Las Cumbres Observatory 1.0 m robotic telescope network find no confirmed signature of coma or tail-like features.
- Publication:
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Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society
- Pub Date:
- September 2021
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2021RNAAS...5..211D
- Keywords:
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- Centaur group;
- Coma dust;
- Wide-field telescopes;
- Comets;
- Sky surveys;
- 215;
- 2159;
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