Abstract Remote optical observations of comets provide information only along the whole line of sight and require some assumptions to be interpreted. Due to the advent of cometary space missions, a two-step strategy has been defined to derive without any assumption spatial distribution and physical properties of dust by in-situ optical observations. First, an Optical Probe Experiment , suitable for a fast fly-by, should provide passive in-situ measurements in the direction of the approaching (or receding) comet near encounter; by suitably differencing such observations, the brightness and polarization per unit volume can be recovered along the trajectory of the spacecraft. Secondly, a Light Scattering Dust Analyzer , suitable for a rendez-vous mission, should permit the determination of the scattering properties of individual particles . Both experiments also provide a connecting link between non-optical in-situ measurements (from mass spectrometers or impact detectors) and remote optical observations.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Cometary dust observations by optical in-situ methods


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1981-01-01


    Size :

    8 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    IRAS observations of cometary dust

    Walker, R. G. / Aumann, H. H. | NTRS | 1984


    IRAS observations of cometary dust

    Walker, R.G. / Aumann, H.H. | Elsevier | 1984


    Collection of cometary dust

    Lell, P. / Igenbergs, E. / Kuczera, H. et al. | Elsevier | 1983


    Thermal emission from cometary dust

    Hanner, M.S. | Elsevier | 1983


    Cometary atmosphere (gas and dust)

    Moroz, V.I. | Elsevier | 1985