Models of P/Wirtanen nucleus: active regions versus non-active regions
Publication date: 02 May 1999
Authors: De Sanctis, M.C. et al.
Journal: Planetary and Space Science
Volume: 47
Issue: 6-7
Page: pp. 855-872
Year: 1999
Copyright: Elsevier Science
In this paper we present the results of numerical models of cometary nucleus evolution, developed in order to understand which are the processes leading to the formation of active and non-active regions on the cometary surface. The used numerical code solves the equations of heat transport and gas diffusion within a porous nucleus composed of different ices--such as water (the dominant constituent), CO2, CO- and of dust grains embedded in the ice matrix. By varying the set of physical parameters describing the initial properties of comet P/Wirtanen, the different behaviour of the icy and dusty areas can be followed.
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