Surface charging and electrostatic dust acceleration at the nucleus of comet 67P during periods of low activity

T. A. Nordheim; G. H. Jones; J. S. Halekas; E. Roussos; A. J. Coates

doi:10.1016/j.pss.2015.08.008

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Surface charging and electrostatic dust acceleration at the nucleus of comet 67P during periods of low activity

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Surface charging and electrostatic dust acceleration at the nucleus of comet 67P during periods of low activity

T. A. Nordheim, G. H. Jones, J. S. Halekas, E. Roussos and A. J. Coates

Planetary and space science, Vol.119, pp.24-35

12/15/2015

DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2015.08.008

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Abstract

We have investigated through simulation the electrostatic charging of the nucleus of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko during periods of weak outgassing activity. Specifically, we have modeled the Surface potential and electric field at the surface of the nucleus during the initial Rosetta rendezvous at 3.5 AU and the release of the Philae lander at 3 AU. We have also investigated the possibility of dust acceleration and ejection above the nucleus due to electrostatic forces. Finally, we discuss these modeling results in the context of possible observations by instruments on both the Rosetta orbiter and the Philae lander. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Physical Sciences

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Title: Subtitle: Surface charging and electrostatic dust acceleration at the nucleus of comet 67P during periods of low activity
Creators: T. A. Nordheim - University College London
G. H. Jones - Univ Coll London, Mullard Space Sci Lab, Dorking RH5 6NT, Surrey, England
J. S. Halekas - University of Iowa
E. Roussos - Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
A. J. Coates - University College London
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Planetary and space science, Vol.119, pp.24-35
DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2015.08.008
ISSN: 0032-0633
eISSN: 1873-5088
Publisher: Elsevier
Number of pages: 12
Grant note: ST/K000977/1; PP/D005213/1 / Science and Technology Facilities Council; UK Research & Innovation (UKRI); Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) ST/K000977/1; PP/D005213/1 / STFC; UK Research & Innovation (UKRI); Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) UCL Graduate School ST/J00460X/1; ST/I002642/1; PP/D00084X/1 / UK Space Agency
Language: English
Date published: 12/15/2015
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy
Record Identifier: 9984429028702771

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