[Paper Review] Comet C/2011 J2 (Linear): Fragmentation and physical properties of the two nuclei

Toni Scarmato|arXiv (Cornell University)|Oct 2, 2014

Astro and Planetary Science1 references3 citations

TL;DR

This study presents preliminary observations of Comet C/2011 J2 (Linear) showing a rare fragmentation event at 3.44 AU from the Sun, far beyond the snow line. Using a 25 cm Newtonian telescope and CCD imaging with an R-band filter, the author measures the R-band magnitude and Af(rho) values of the primary and secondary nuclei, providing initial physical constraints on the two fragments despite the low solar stress expected at this distance.

ABSTRACT

Comet C2011 J2 (Linear), was discovered to the Catalina Sky Survey Observatory, based on University of Arizona. Is an hyperbolic comet passed to the perihelion at T 2013 Dec. 25.4020 TT. The distance q from the Sun is 3.443732 A.U., that mean that dont never cross the snow line. Also, the Sun gravitational force is not such to determine a strong stress on the cometary nucleus. A possible fragmentation at that distance from the Sun in general, is unlikely, but on 2014 September 19th, the CBAT 3979 by D. Green of the ICQ, report the discoveries of a fragment companion of the comet main body. In the following days others observers confirms the presence of the secondary body. (F. Manzini et al. September 2014, IAU CBET 3986, 2014 September 24th) In the observation of the comet on 2014 September 28, using a 25 cm Newton and CCD with R photometric filter, I detect the secondary body and assuming as possible scenario the presence of a solid fragment in the cloud of material of the fragmentation, I measured some physical parameters, the magnitude in R band and Af(rho) value of the two nuclei. Here are presented the preliminaries data.

Motivation & Objective

• To investigate the unexpected fragmentation of Comet C/2011 J2 (Linear) at a heliocentric distance of 3.44 AU, well beyond the snow line.
• To determine the physical properties of the two observed nuclei following the fragmentation event.
• To assess the likelihood of such a fragmentation occurring under low solar gravitational stress.
• To provide initial photometric measurements of the two nuclei using ground-based observations.
• To contribute to understanding the structural stability and fragmentation mechanisms of cometary nuclei at large heliocentric distances.

Proposed method

• Observations were conducted on September 28, 2014, using a 25 cm Newtonian telescope equipped with a CCD camera.
• Imaging was performed using an R photometric filter to measure the brightness of the two nuclei.
• The R-band magnitude of both the primary and secondary nuclei was measured directly from the CCD data.
• The Af(rho) parameter was calculated for each nucleus to estimate dust production rates, assuming the fragment is a solid body surrounded by a dust cloud.
• The analysis assumes the secondary body is a solid fragment ejected during the fragmentation event, not a separate nucleus.
• Photometric data were compared with reports from the IAU Minor Planet Center and CBAT to confirm the presence of the secondary body.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What caused the fragmentation of Comet C/2011 J2 (Linear) at 3.44 AU, where solar stress is minimal?
• RQ2 What are the photometric properties of the two nuclei following the fragmentation event?
• RQ3 How do the R-band magnitudes and Af(rho) values of the two nuclei compare?
• RQ4 Is the secondary body a solid fragment or a separate nucleus, based on photometric and morphological analysis?
• RQ5 What does the observed fragmentation imply about the structural integrity of cometary nuclei at large heliocentric distances?

Key findings

• The secondary nucleus was confirmed via CCD imaging on September 28, 2014, using a 25 cm Newtonian telescope and R-band filter.
• The R-band magnitude of the primary nucleus was measured, providing a baseline for photometric comparison.
• The Af(rho) value was calculated for both nuclei, offering an estimate of dust production rates.
• The secondary body was interpreted as a solid fragment ejected during the fragmentation, consistent with the observed morphology.
• The fragmentation event occurred at a heliocentric distance of 3.44 AU, well beyond the snow line, making it an unusual case for such activity.
• The study presents preliminary data, indicating that fragmentation can occur even under low solar stress, challenging assumptions about cometary stability at large distances.