Evolution of mobile phases in cometary interiors

Author(s)
Fellows, Christopher M
Brown, Trevor C
Cooper, Andrew
Parigi, Marco
Publication Date
2020-02-17
Abstract
Beginning with loose aggregations of dust particles coated with heterogeneous ices under vacuum at Kuiper Belt temperatures, moving to Jupiter/Saturn distances and eventually to low-perihelion orbit, we consider the likely development of the gaseous phase within a cometary nucleus over the course of its lifetime. From the perspective of physical chemistry, we consider limits on the spatial and temporal distribution and composition of this gaseous phase. The implications of the gaseous phase for heat transfer and for the possible spatial and temporal development of liquid phases are calculated. We conclude that the likely temperatures, pressures, and compositions beneath the outer crust of typical cometary nuclei are such that fluidised phases can exist at significant depths and that these reservoirs give a coherent explanation for the high-intensity outbursts observed from cometary nuclei at large distances from perihelion.
Citation
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, v.37, p. 1-9
ISSN
1448-6083
Link
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Rights
Attribution 4.0 International
Title
Evolution of mobile phases in cometary interiors
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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