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Interpretation of the ion mass spectra in the mass per charge range 25-35 amu/e obtained in the inner coma of Halley's comet by the HIS-sensor of the Giotto IMS experiment

Altwegg, K.; Balsiger, H.; Geiss, J. +6 more

The IMS-HIS double-focusing mass spectrometer that flew on the Giotto spacecraft covered the mass per charge range from 12 to 56 (amu/e). By comparing flight data, calibration data and results of model calculations of the ion population in the inner coma, the absolute mass scale is established, and ions in the mass range 25 to 35 are identified. I…

Comet P/Halley's dust production rate at Giotto encounter derived from Halley Multicolour Camera observations

Keller, H. U.; Thomas, N.

Optical constants for the dust from Comet P/Halley have been determined from Halley Multicolour Camera observations by applying the dust size distribution and the total mass impacting the Giotto spacecraft. The quantity of dust is found to be 0.080 rho exp 2/3 where rho is the dust particle bulk density in g/cu cm at an effective wavelength of 653…

Velocity of individual large dust particles ejected from Comet P/Halley

Keller, H. U.; Curdt, W.; Richter, K.

Five discrete events are presented which provide accurate information about the impact locations relative to the comet and lower mass limits of the individual particles. Ejection velocities of about 40 m/s were found for two particles in the 1-mg mass range and of not more than 10 m/s for particles in the 10-mg range for the most probable scenario…