The Dust Tails of Comet Hale-Bopp: A Staff Renewal Project, 15-9088
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Investigator
Daniel C. Boice
Inclusive Dates: 07/01/98 - 06/30/99
Background - With the 1996-1997 appearance of comet Hale-Bopp, structures in the coma and dust tails proved more complex than had been previously assumed. The dust emission from the nucleus was very heterogeneous and time variable, and additional complications arose from the intricate rotational state of the nucleus. The variety of different materials contained in comet dust add even more complexity to its dynamics and hence to the structure of the dust tail. The dynamics of dust tails for particles of a constant size and uniform composition are reasonably well understood by the Finson and Probstein theory, but the dynamics of fragmenting particles and the formation of striae, a type of tail inhomogeneity, are still unsolved problems.
Approach - The goals of the proposed program are to 1) develop a cometary dust coma and tail model through extensive collaboration with Japanese researchers involved in complementary programs, 2) enhance existing research programs in support of comet modeling and data analysis and the Deep Space 1 Mission, and 3) build a stronger working relationship with members of the Japanese cometary science community for future joint proposals, future participation in spacecraft missions to small bodies, and observing opportunities at the new National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ, Tokyo) 8.3-meter Subaru telescope. To carry out the proposed work, a state-of-the-art computer code will be developed that uses experience gained from existing SwRI models and that is constrained by high-resolution images of comet Hale-Bopp's dust features. Using this new program, a variety of physical processes that affect structures in the coma and tails can be evaluated to synthesize a better global understanding of cometary dust features.
Accomplishments - The principal investigator resided at NAOJ in Tokyo, Japan, to collaborate with Dr. Jun-ichi Watanabe for one year. This project has resulted in the development of a state-of-the-art model of cometary dust features by coupling and enhancing two existing cometary codes. Two peer-reviewed publications have been produced. Additional benefits realized from this work include a positive impact on the performance of several existing SwRI projects, including the availability of the 8.3-meter Subaru telescope (the third largest steerable telescope in the world) to obtain observations of the target comet and asteroid of the Deep Space 1 mission. A proposal to the National Science Foundation to continue the collaboration with Dr. Watanabe and further apply the cometary dust code for interpretation and analysis of additional observations of comet Hale-Bopp has been funded.
