Comet Dust Tail Analysis using the Finson-Probstein Model

The fine-structure detail of several comet dust tails is analysed from amateur and professional comet images using the Finson-Probstein mdoel. Given the date and time of the image taken, the comet’s position in the sky is calculated using an open source algorithm [1] and the comet’s dust tail is simulated for that position and time. This modeled dust tail structure is then projected and overlaid onto the comet image to directly compare and identify similarities and discrepancies between the model and the image. Using the novel analysis method of mapping the image to a dust grain beta against ejection time plot [2], tail structures can be more easily identified and analysed. This also allows for the tracking of tail structure over time, as images of a single comet from different times and observatories can be mapped onto the same plot. This method compensates for the difficulties of investigating tail structures in images as the comet moves across the image and as viewing geometry changes over time.      

This is a continuation of the work done previously on Comet C/2006 P1 (McNaught), which ultimately led to the observation of the formation processes of new fine-scale structure features in the comet’s dust tail [2]. This model is now applied to several other comets, including the recent Comet ATLAS (C/2019 Y4), to map their tail structures and to highlight this model’s utility in comet dust tail analysis.

Finally, this work will be put into context as the first step in the development of an automated analysis method for cometary dust and ion tails. This automated method is in preparation for the upcoming opening of the Vera Rubin Observatory (LSST), and aims to automatically identify comet tail structures from the Observatory’s stream of comet images. The robustness of this analysis suite enables it to also be implemented on amateur comet images, making use of the abundant and valuable data from amateur astronomers.

 

 

 

 

[1] Lang, Dustin, David W. Hogg, Keir Mierle, Michael Blanton, and Sam Roweis. 2010. "ASTROMETRY.NET: BLIND ASTROMETRIC CALIBRATION OF ARBITRARY ASTRONOMICAL IMAGES". The Astronomical Journal 139 (5): 1782-1800. doi:10.1088/0004-6256/139/5/1782.

[2] Price, Oliver, Geraint H. Jones, Jeff Morrill, Mathew Owens, Karl Battams, Huw Morgan, Miloslav Drückmuller, and Sebastian Deiries. 2019. "Fine-Scale Structure In Cometary Dust Tails I: Analysis Of Striae In Comet C/2006 P1 (Mcnaught) Through Temporal Mapping". Icarus 319: 540-557. doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2018.09.013.