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Possible radio wave precursors associated with the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9/Jupiter impactsWe suggest that prior to its impact with Jupiter, comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 will behave as an electrical generator in the Jovian magnetosphere, converting planetary rotational energy to electrical energy via a dust/plasma interaction. This electrical energy will then be deposited in the dayside auroral region where it may drive various auroral phenomena including cyclotron radio emission. Such emission could be detected by spacecraft like Ulysses and Galileo many hours prior to the actual comet impact with the upper atmosphere. We apply the theory originally developed to explain the spokes in Saturn's rings. This theory allows us to quantify the driving potential associated with the comet and, consequently, to determine the radio power created in the auroral region. We conclude that if enough fine dust is present in the cometary system, comet-induced auroral radio emissions will reach detectable levels. This emission should be observable in the dayside hemisphere about 12-24 hours prior to each fragment impact.
Document ID
19950043545
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Farrell, W. M.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kaiser, M. L.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Desch, M. D.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Macdowall, R. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 21
Issue: 11
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
95A75144
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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