Exploring the Hydrogen Comae of Comets C/2017 K2 and C/2022 E3
Key Ideas
- Observations were made of the hydrogen comae of comets C/2017 K2 and C/2022 E3 using the SWAN camera on the SOHO satellite.
- The study provided insights into the interstellar hydrogen distribution and its interaction with the solar wind and UV fluxes.
- Water production rates were calculated for the comets over specific periods, aiding in understanding their behavior post-perihelion and around perihelion.
- The research involved contributions from Michael Combi, Terhi Mäkinen, Jean-Loup Bertaux, Eric Quemerais, and Stéphane Ferron.
The study focused on observing the hydrogen comae of two long-period comets, C/2017 K2 (PanSTARRS) and C/2022 E3 (ZTF), using the SWAN camera on the SOHO satellite. These observations allowed for the calculation of water production rates for each comet during specific time frames. The SWAN camera, which captures full-sky images of the interstellar hydrogen's Lyman-alpha distribution as it travels through the solar system, provided valuable information on the solar wind and solar ultraviolet fluxes affecting the hydrogen. The research shed light on how these fluxes lead to ionization and charge exchange in the hydrogen, impacting its behavior. The study covered approximately 6 months for C/2017 K2 post-perihelion and around 3 months around perihelion for C/2022 E3. The work involved the contributions of Michael Combi, Terhi Mäkinen, Jean-Loup Bertaux, Eric Quemerais, and Stéphane Ferron. Overall, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of comet behavior and the dynamics of hydrogen interactions in the solar system.