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The effects of the diffuse radiation fields due to multiple scattering and thermal reradiation by dust on the dynamics and thermodynamics of a dusty cometary atmosphereA self-consistent model of a dirty, clathrate cometary nucleus is extended to account for diffuse radiation fields caused by multiple scattering and thermal reradiation of the solar continuum by dust. The model is configured to fit conditions expected for the various spacecraft which will encounter Halley's comet at 0.89 AU. The atmosphere is assumed a chemically reactive dust-gas mixture in quasi-steady spherically symmetric expansion. The effect of electron-neutral ion collisions is accounted for, along with rate constants of the various species of clathrate ice particles and radiative transfer of the solar input in the UV, visible and near-IR intervals. The opacity of the circumnuclear dust is projected to be an order of magnitude greater than previous estimates, which severely impacts the potential visibility of the nucleus to the cameras of the flyby satellites.
Document ID
19850041295
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Marconi, M. L.
(California Univ., San Diego La Jolla, CA, United States)
Mendis, D. A.
(California, University La Jolla, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 287
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
85A23446
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7623
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7102
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-81-08706
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-05-009-110
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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