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EPOXI: Comet 103p/Hartley 2 Observations from a Worldwide CampaignEarth- and space-based observations provide synergistic information for space mission encounters by providing data over longer timescales. at different wavelengths and using techniques that are impossible with an in situ flyby. We report here such observations in support of the EPOXI spacecraft flyby of comet 103P (Hartley 2. The nucleus is small and dark, and exhibited a very rapidly changing rotation period. Prior to the onset of activity, the period was approximately 16.4 hr. Starting in 2010 August the period changed from 16.6 hr to near 19 hr in December. With respect to dust composition, most volatiles and carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios, the comet is similar to other Jupiter-family comets. What is unusual is the dominance of CO2-driven activity near perihelion, which likely persists out to aphelion. Near perihelion the comet nucleus was surrounded by a large halo of water-ice grains that contributed significantly to the total water production.
Document ID
20120013665
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Meech, K. J.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Hearn, M. F. A.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Bauer, J. M.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Bonev, B. P.
(Catholic Univ. of America Washington, DC, United States)
Charnley, S. B.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
DiSanti, M. A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Gersch, A.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Immler, S. M.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kaluna, H. M.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Keane, J. V.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Kelley, M. S.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Kleyna, J.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Landsman, W. B.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Milam, S. N.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Mumma, M. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Pittichova, J.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Riesen, T. E.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Sarid, G.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Sonnett, S.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Villanueva, G. L.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Wiessman, P. R.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Wooden, D. H.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Yanamandra-Fischer, P. A.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Yeomans, D. K.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Zenn, T.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Date Acquired
August 26, 2013
Publication Date
May 16, 2011
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal Letters
Volume: 734
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Report/Patent Number
GSFC.JA.6404.2012
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNM07AA99C
CONTRACT_GRANT: AYA2009-08011
CONTRACT_GRANT: AYA2008-01839/ESP
CONTRACT_GRANT: PE2007-TIC 02744
CONTRACT_GRANT: FP7/2007-20130-229517
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNA04CC08A
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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