Abstract
We present optical images of 217P/LINEAR taken with the Kiso 105 cm Schmidt Telescope. The images revealed a day-by-day variation of the 217P/LINEAR shape, indicating an outburst occurred. Since our observation started before the outburst event, we examined the morphological evolution of the expanding dust cloud produced by the outburst. It was found that the dust cloud expanded at a velocity of 120-140 m s–1 and that the comet became brighter by 1.7-2.3 mag. Using the observational result, we estimated that the onset time was 2009 October 13.4 and that the total mass released by the outburst was in the range of 106-109 kg. No fragments or split nuclei brighter than 18.5 mag (1.1 km in radius) were confirmed in our observations. Compared with other outbursts, we concluded that it was a relatively small event for an outburst.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
