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Narrowband photometry of Comet P/Stephan-Oterma and the backscattering properties of cometary grainsThe results of narrowband filter photometry of Comet P/Stephan-Oterma are presented. For heliocentric distances between 1.95 and 1.58 AU prior to perihelion, OH, CN, and C2 production rates varied approximately as r to the -5th power. Following perihelion, an even steeper dependence of production rate on heliocentric distance was observed for these species. A pronounced brightening of the comet's continuum near opposition is interpreted in terms of preferential backscattering by the cometary dust. While Comet P/Stephan-Oterma is one of the dustier comets observed, it shows no indication of compositional anomalies in either the gas or the dust.
Document ID
19820061024
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Millis, R. L.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Ahearn, M. F.
(Maryland, University College Park, MD, United States)
Thompson, D. T.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomical Journal
Volume: 87
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
82A44559
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7322
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-03-003-001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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