Date: Monday 12-Apr-2021
Time: 11:15-12:15
Location: Zoom
Speaker: Adrienn Luspay-Kuti (JHU-APL)
Title: The source of O2 in comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
The Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis (ROSINA) instrument onboard the Rosetta spacecraft has measured molecular oxygen (O2) in the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) in surprisingly high abundances. These measurements mark the first unequivocal detection of O2 in a cometary environment. The large relative abundance of O2 in the coma of 67P despite its high reactivity and low interstellar abundance poses a mystery for its origin in comet 67P, and potentially other comets. Since its first detection, there have been several hypotheses for the production and origin of O2 in 67P. These hypotheses cover a wide range of contradicting possibilities from in situ production mechanisms to various primordial or protosolar nebula origins, and are limited by the current state of analysis of O2 measurements that, thus far lack appropriate geographical and extended temporal resolution. I will present results from our systematic analysis of Rosetta ROSINA data and resolve the issue of source for O2 detected in the coma of 67P. Our results provide a consistent explanation to the observed O2 outgassing over time relative to the major cometary species, and provide strong constraints on the possible origin of cometary O2.
For further information contact PALS coordinator Dr. Lori Feaga at feaga@astro.umd.edu or (301)-405-1383.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
