Dust Particles Detected Near Giacobini-Zinner by the Ice Plasma Wave Instrument.
Abstract
During the ICE (International Cometary Explorer) flyby of Giacobini-Zinner the plasma wave instrument detected numerous impulsive signals caused by dust impacts on the spacecraft. Most of the impacts occurred within 30,000 km of the comet. The impact rate averaged over the inbound and outbound legs varies approximately as 1/r-square, as would be expected for an isotropic constant velocity radial outflow. Small differences between the inbound and outbound legs exist which may be indicative of azimuthal variations in the dust production rate. A simple model of the impact ionization and charge collection by the antenna indicates that the particles have a mass on the order of 10 to the -12th power to 10 to the -10th power gm, corresponding to particles with radii of a few microns. Keywords: Interplanetary space; Dust particles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 24, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA165633
Entities
People
- Donald A. Gurnett
- E. Gruen
- F. L. Scarf
- T. F. Averkamp
Organizations
- University of Iowa