A simple model for understanding the DIM dust measurement at comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. (15th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Podolak, Morris; Flandes, Alberto; Della Corte, Vincenzo; Krüger, Harald
• Is Part Of: Planetary and space science. Volume 133(2016)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 89
• Publication Date: 2016-11-15
• Subjects: Space sciences -- Periodicals; Atmosphere, Upper -- Periodicals; Sciences spatiales -- Périodiques; Haute atmosphère -- Périodiques; 523
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2016.04.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-0633

Abstract

Abstract: We present a simple model for gas and dust flow from 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko that can be used to understand the grain impact observed by the DIM instrument on Philae (Krüger et al., 2015 ). We show how model results when applied to the GIADA measurements (Rotundi et al., 2015; Della Corte et al., 2015 ) can be used, in conjunction with the results found by the MIRO (Schloerb et al., 2015 ) and VIRTIS (De Sanctis et al., 2015 ) instruments to infer surface properties such as surface temperature and surface ice fraction. Abstract : Highlights: The detection of a cometary grain by the DIM instrument is described. The estimated size and speed of the grain are presented. A simple model for grain acceleration by gas flow off the comet is discussed. Cometary surface temperatures and gas production rates required to provide the observed speed are discussed.