Photochemical processes in the inner comaModels for the inner-coma chemistry of comets are reviewed. The physics relevant to the coma's chemistry is summarized, and the interaction of solar radiation with the coma is described, along with photolytic and chemical processes. The formation and destruction of several observed species are traced through a chemical reaction network, and model results are compared with observations. The species considered include CN, C2, C3, NH2, CH, CO, CO(+), OH, H2O, HCO, C2H4, and C2H3. The models most consistent with observations are shown to indicate that only trace amounts (2% in all) of molecules bearing CN, C2, C3, and NH2 can be present in the nucleus of a comet.
Document ID
19830032178
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other - Collected Works
Authors
Huebner, W. F. (Los Alamos Scientific Lab. NM, United States)
Giguere, P. T. (Los Alamos Scientific Lab. NM, United States)
Slattery, W. L. (Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos, NM, United States)