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Session 72 - Comet Hale-Bopp.
Display session, Friday, January 09
Exhibit Hall,

[72.10] Physical Properties of the Nucleus of Comet Hale-Bopp

Y. R. Fernández, M. F. A'Hearn, A. Kundu, C. M. Lisse (UMd), H. A. Weaver (JHU), A. Dayal, M. S. Hanner, M. E. Ressler (JPL), W. F. Hoffmann (UAz), L. K. Deutsch (Boston U.), G. G. Fazio (CfA), J. L. Hora (IfA), H. U. Käufl (ESO)

We present results from our multiwavelength campaign to study the nucleus of comet Hale-Bopp, using data collected from the optical, mid-infrared, and microwave regimes. We have used a coma-fitting technique to separate the comatic and the nuclear emission in our HST (optical), IRTF, and ESO (infrared) imaging, allowing us to constrain the nuclear radius and albedo. We also have the first detection at VLA of a comet's continuum emission, which constrains the nuclear size and the nucleus' thermal characteristics. The rotation period has been inferred from the infrared imaging of periodic morphological changes in the inner coma.

Program listing for Friday