Is 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko a classical JFC comet? Clues from recent polarimetric observations
Résumé
Remote observations of the light scattered by comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko dust coma are of major importance to determine the physical properties of the particles and prepare the rendezvous with the ESA/Rosetta spacecraft in 2014. While dust observations have been made during different apparitions, polarization measurements were only obtained during the 1982 apparition by spectropolarimetry [1-2]. Recent imaging polarimetric observations were conducted at Haute-Provence observatory (France) on 2009 March 17-19 at 35 deg. phase angle and at IUCAA Girawali observatory (India) on 2008 December 25-27 at 36 deg. phase angle and on 2009 April 30-May 1 at 29 deg. phase angle. The imaging technique allows us to follow the intensity and polarization variations through the coma and their evolution. The decrease in intensity as a function of the distance to nucleus in log-log scale is close to -1 on average but important variations with values down to -1.5 are observed in agreement with previous observations in 1982-83 and 1995-96 [3]. Aperture polarization values are nominal before perihelion. Nevertheless, after perihelion, the increase in polarization suggests that an outburst occurred. Finally, comet 67P/C-G results will be compared to those obtained for other comets, including Jupiter Family Comets [4,5]. Polarization and intensity variations in the coma are reminiscent of those noticed for 9P/Tempel 1 (before Deep Impact) and comet C/2000 WM1 [5]. The presence of rather large particles can thus be suggested before and after perihelion. The properties of the particles ejected during post-perihelion will be discussed.
