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The near ultraviolet spectra of comets P/Brorsen-Metcalf and AustinResults are reported on spectrophotometric observations of comets P/Brorsen-Metcalf and Austin from 3000 to 3600 A at a spectral resolution of about 1.8 A. The strongest features are the OH(A-X) 0-0 and 1-1 bands, and the NH(A-X) 0-0 bands. For the first time, the OH(A-X) 0-1 band was clearly found. The existence of the CN(B-X) 2-1 and 3-2 bands were verified and measured. A feature at 3258 A that was first seen in uncalibrated spectra was detected, and was identified as the NH singlet (c-a) 0-0 transition. The CO2(+) features at 3378, 3504, and 3512 A were also firmly identified. This ion was reported as being present in the tail of Comet Bester (1984 I) by Swings and Page (1950). The identification of a weak feature at 3547 A was proposed as the fundamental transition of H2CO, which would make this the first optical cometary detection of this molecule which is very abundant in giant molecular clouds.
Document ID
19910011709
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cochran, William D.
(McDonald Observatory Austin, TX., United States)
Odell, C. R.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX., United States)
Miller, C. O.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX., United States)
Cochran, Anita L.
(McDonald Observatory Austin, TX., United States)
Opal, C. B.
(McDonald Observatory Austin, TX., United States)
Valk, D.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX., United States)
Barker, E. S.
(McDonald Observatory Austin, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Southwest Research Inst., Workshop on Observations of Recent Comets (1990)
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
91N21022
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-89-12869
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1477
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-29451
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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