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Plasma irregularities in the comet's tailScintillation theory is invoked to explain fluctuations in radio intensity observed during occultation of the extragalactic radio source PKS 2025-15 by the plasma tail of comet 1973 XII on Jan. 5, 1975. Plasma irregularities and turbulence in the tail of the comet (Kohoutek 1973f) are fitted to a Gaussian spectrum and to a Kolmogorov power-law spectrum in analyzing the scintillation data. The rms fluctuation of electron density in the cometary tail is reported at 80 electrons per cu mm, the inner scale of the fluctuation at 800 km, and the largest scale of fluctuation at possibly 400,000 km. A hump in the comet power-law spectrum is noted. Use of the power spectrum of electron density fluctuations to predict the power spectrum of magnetic field fluctuations for irregularities associated with hydromagnetic turbulence is recommended.
Document ID
19770032751
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Lee, L. C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Theoretical Studies Group, Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
November 15, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal
Volume: 210
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
77A15603
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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