Pre-perihelion Monitoring of Interstellar Comet 2I/Borisov
arxiv(2024)
摘要
The discovery of interstellar comet 2I/Borisov offered the unique opportunity
to obtain a detailed analysis of an object coming from another planetary
system, and leaving behind material in our interplanetary space. We
continuously observed 2I/Borisov between October 3 and December 13, 2019 using
the 1.52-m Telescopio Carlos Sánchez equipped with MuSCAT2 instrument, and
the 2.54-m Isaac Newton Telescope with Wide Field Camera. We characterize its
morphology and spectro-photometric features using the data gathered during this
extended campaign. Simultaneous imaging in four bands (g, r, i, and
z_s) reveals a homogeneous composition and a reddish hue, resembling Solar
System comets, and as well a diffuse profile exhibiting familiar cometary
traits. We discern a stationary trend fluctuating around a constant activity
level throughout October and November 2019. Subsequently, a reduction in
activity is observed in December. Dust production and mass loss calculations
indicate approximately an average of 4 kg/s before perihelion, while after
perihelion the net mass loss is about 0.6 kg/s. Our simulations indicate the
most probable size of coma dust particles should be in the range 200-250 nm,
and the terminal speed around 300 m/s. The spectrum acquired with the 4.2-m
William Herschel Telescope shows the presence of a strong CN line for which we
find a gas production rate of 1.2 × 10^24 s^-1. We also detected
NH_2 and OI bands. The ratio between NH_2 and CN productions is log
(NH_2/CN) =-0.2. Overall, this observing campaign provides a new understanding
of 2I/Borisov's unique characteristics and activity patterns.
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