IUE observations of comet P/Halley: evolution of the ultraviolet spectrum between September 1985 and July 1986

Abstract

The ultraviolet spectrum of comet P/Halley (1982i) was monitored with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite observatory between 1985 September 12 and 1986 July 8 (r < 2.6 AU pre- and post-perihelion) at regular time intervals except for a two-month period around the time of perihelion. A complete characterization of the UV spectrum of the comet was obtained which allows us to derive coma abundances and to study the light emission mechanisms of the observed species. IUE observations at the time of the Giotto encounter provide a unique opportunity to compare the in situ measurements with remote observations of the principal coma species. The Fine Error Sensor (FES) camera of the IUE was used to photometrically investigate the coma brightness variation on time scales of the order of hours. Spectroscopic observations as well as FES measurements show that the activity of the nucleus was highly variable, particularly at the end of December 1985 and during March and April 1986. The production rates of OH, CS and dust are derived for the entire period of the observations. The total water loss rate for this period is estimated to be 3108 metric tons.