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Comet P/Giacobini-Zinner electron and H2O(+) column densities from ICE and ground-based observationsAn H2O(+) spatial mission profile, extracted from an optical CCD spectrogram obtained during the ICE/Giacobini-Zinner encounter, is compared to the electron-density profile that was deduced from in situ measurements by the radio experiment aboard ICE. The electron column density along a line of sight has two components, one from the spherically symmetric coma, and the second from a thin plasma sheet, whenever it is along the line of sight. The deduced electron column-density profile agrees well with the observed H2O(+) emission profile. It is concluded that the electrons and the H2O(+) ions are distributed similarly 9600 km tailward from the cometary nucleus, that the ratio of number densities of H2O(+) ions to electrons is about 1/4 at this point, and that the width of the plasma sheet is about 16,000 km.
Document ID
19870044080
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Meyer-Vernet, N.
(Observatoire de Paris-Meudon France)
Steinberg, J. L.
(Paris Observatoire, Meudon, France)
Strauss, Michael A.
(Observatoire de Paris-Meudon France)
Spinrad, H.
(Observatoire de Paris-Meudon France)
Mccarthy, Patrick J.
(California, University Berkeley, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomical Journal
Volume: 93
ISSN: 0004-6256
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
87A31354
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-270
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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