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Dust density and mass distribution near comet Halley from Giotto observationsThe density and the mass spectrum of the dust near comet Halley have been measured by the Giotto space probe's dust impact detection system. The dust spectrum obtained at 291,000 km from the comet nucleus show depletion in small and intermediate masses; at about 600 km from the nucleus, however, the dust activity rises and the spectrum is dominated by larger masses. Most of the mass striking Giotto is noted to reside in the few large particles penetrating the dust shield. Momentum balances and energy considerations applied to an observed deceleration suggest that a large mass of the spacecraft was detached by an impact.
Document ID
19860056170
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Mcdonnell, J. A. M.
(Kent, University Canterbury, United Kingdom)
Alexander, W. M.
(Baylor University Waco, TX, United States)
Burton, W. M.
(SERC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, United Kingdom)
Bussoletti, E.
(Lecce, Universita Italy)
Clark, D. H.
(SERC Swindon, United Kingdom)
Grard, J. L.
(Kent Univ. Canterbury, United Kingdom)
Gruen, E.
(Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kernphysik Heidelberg, Germany)
Hanner, M. S.
(Kent Univ. Canterbury, United Kingdom)
Sekanina, Z.
(California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)
Hughes, D. W.
(Sheffield, University United Kingdom)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
May 15, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Volume: 321
ISSN: 0028-0836
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Accession Number
86A40908
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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