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K. C. Hansen, M. R. Combi, F. J. Crary, D. L. De Zeeuw, T. I. Gombosi, D. T. Young (Univ. of Michigan)
We simulate the interaction of a comet with the solar wind using a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model. The use of adaptive mesh refinement allows the model to resolve both the large scale structures, such as the bow shock, while at the same time resolving the small scale features near the nucleus, such as the diamagnetic cavity. We investigate the effects of an aspherical plasma source, a jet, on the distribution of plasma and the locations of boundaries such as the bow shock and the diamagnetic boundary. We will present the effects of various jet parameters, such as relative production rate and opening angle, on the comet-solar wind interaction. Comparison to measurements made by the Deep Space 1 spacecraft during the encounter with comet Borrelly will also be presented.