Observations of Periodic Comet 2P/Encke: Physical Properties of the Nucleus and First Visual-Wavelength Detection of Its Dust TrailWe are conducting an observational program designed to determine the overall distributions of size, shape, rotation period, and surface characteristics of cometary nuclei. Here, we present results from a study of the Jupiter- family comet 2P/Encke based on observations from Steward Observatory's 2.3m Bok Telescope at Kitt Peak. This comet has been observed extensively in the past and was one of the primary flyby targets of the recently failed CONTOUR mission.
Document ID
20030111483
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lowry, Stephen C. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Weissman, Paul R. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Sykes, Mark V. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Reach, William T. (California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)