[Previous] | [Session 42] | [Next]
H. Rauer (DLR-Inst. f. Plan. Res.), ESO DI Project Team
The high velocity impact of a projectile on the nucleus of comet 9P/Tempel 1 could give for the first time access to pristine material preserved in the cometary interior. From two nights before impact to six nights after impact FORS2 at the VLT UT 1 is available every night to obtain low resolution optical spectra. These will be used to study the chemical composition of the coma by studying emissions from CN, C2, C3 and NH2, and to identify variations due to the impact. Possibly, a new surface of fresh ices in the impact crater will be present. We also intend to perform medium resolution near infrared spectroscopy using ISAAC at the VLT UT 1 to observe organic parent molecules directly instead of observing daughter products that can be addressed by optical observations. This contribution will present first results from the observations of the gas coma around the impact time. The project team comprises the following investigators: N. Ageores, M. A´Hearn, C. Arpigny, S. Bagnulo, H. Boehnhardt, T. Bonev, A. Cochran, C. Delahodde, Y. Fernandez, O. Hainaut, D. Hutsemekers, E. Jehin, H.U. Kaeufl, H. Kawakita, F. Kerber, J. Knollenberg, M. Kretlow, E. Kuehrt, M. Kueppers, L. Lara, J. Licandro, C. Lisse, J. Manfroid, O. Marco, K. Meech, H. Rauer, R. Schulz, G. Schwehm, C. Sterken, M. Sterzik, J.A. Stuewe, I. Surdej, G.P. Tozzi, M. Weiler, R. West, D. Wooden, J.-M. Zucconi
[Previous] | [Session 42] | [Next]
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #3
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.