Date: Monday 09-Nov-2020
Time: 11:15-12:15
Location: Online via Zoom (link sent out to the PALS distribution list prior to the talk)
Speaker: Tony Farnham
Title: Results from the 2018/2019 Close Approach of Comet 46P/Wirtanen
Comet 46P/Wirtanen is a Jupiter family comet that made an historically close approach to the Earth in December 2018, reaching naked-eye brightness for several weeks. This apparition provided an excellent opportunity for measuring the comet's physical properties and characterizing its behavior. We extensively observed Wirtanen over a 3-month period around close approach, allowing us to investigate the temporal changes in the comet's activity and dynamical properties. Our results show that the comet's rotation rate changed throughout the perihelion passage, indicating that the activity is inducing significant torques on the nucleus. We will also discuss several outbursts that were detected over the course of the apparition.
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.
