The O(1D) Distribution of Comet Austin 1989c1 = 1990 V

Abstract

We obtained images of [OI]6300 emission from Comet Austin 1990 V using the Wisconsin dual-etalon Fabry-Perot/CCD imaging spectrometer at the McMath solar telescope on Kitt Peak. The field of view diameter on the sky was approximately 10.5. The spectral resolution of 0.21 Å was sufficient to image cometary [OI]6300 emission uncontaminated by nearby NH2 and telluric [OI]6300 emissions. Using a Haser model for the photodissociation of H2O and OH as sources of O(1D), we find that the OH mean lifetime τOH at 1 AU is (1.1 ± 0.3) × 105 sec.