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[29P.12] CSHELL Observations of HCN, C₂H₂, and NH₃ in Comets 1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp) and 1996 B2 Hyakutake

K. Magee-Sauer (Rowan Univ.), M. J. Mumma (NASA/GSFC), M. A. DiSanti, N. Dello Russo (Catholic Univ.), T. W. Rettig (Notre Dame)

We present results of spectroscopic observations of comets Hyakutake obtained Mar 24.4 1996 and of Hale-Bopp obtained Feb 24.0, Apr 5.9, 6.1, 29.9, 30.4, and May 1.1 1997. The data were obtained using the CSHELL instrument at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The spectral resolution of CSHELL (\lambda /\Delta\lambda) was ~ 2 x 10⁴. Spectra were obtained with the slit ( 1" by 30") centered on the nucleus.

Molecules detected include HCN, C₂H₂, NH₃, NH₂, OH, and several unidentified emission lines. Production rates, spatial character of the emissions, rotational temperatures, and progress on identifying unknown spectral features will be presented and discussed.