@article{327bda3d44274987ae68efb2ca0b682a,
title = "Decimeter-scale particle characterization in the coma of 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 using dual-wavelength radar observations",
abstract = "We investigate the centimeter-to-decimeter-scale particle size distribution and dynamics in the coma of Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 using radar observations obtained shortly after the comet's disintegration in May 2006. We derive the particle size distribution power-law index in the comae of fragments B and C using radar cross sections and circular-polarization ratios observed at S and X bands (2.38 GHz and 8.56 GHz, respectively), and show day-to-day changes in the number of contributing particles. We test three irregular particle morphologies, but find that the particle shape plays a relatively minor role. The power-law indices from 4.0 to 4.8 and major-axis diameters up to about 30 cm provide the best fits to the radar observations, the values depending on the particle shape and the observed radial velocity. A majority of the measured particle velocities exceed the escape velocity of the nuclei.",
keywords = "73P, Coma, Comets, Radar observations",
author = "A. Virkki and E. Zubko and Nolan, {M. C.} and Howell, {E. S.} and Benner, {L. A.M.} and Harmon, {J. K.}",
note = "Funding Information: This research was supported by NASA {\textquoteright}s Near-Earth Object Observations Program through grant no. NNX13AQ46G awarded to Universities Space Research Association (USRA) for the Arecibo Planetary Radar Program, and after April 2018 through grant no. 80NSSC18K1098 awarded to the University of Central Florida. The Arecibo Observatory is a National Science Foundation facility operated under cooperative agreement by University of Central Florida, Yang Enterprises, Inc., and Universidad Ana G. Mendez. During the time of the observations, the facility was operated by the Cornell University . Funding Information: This research was supported by NASA's Near-Earth Object Observations Program through grant no. NNX13AQ46G awarded to Universities Space Research Association (USRA) for the Arecibo Planetary Radar Program, and after April 2018 through grant no. 80NSSC18K1098 awarded to the University of Central Florida. The Arecibo Observatory is a National Science Foundation facility operated under cooperative agreement by University of Central Florida, Yang Enterprises, Inc., and Universidad Ana G. Mendez. During the time of the observations, the facility was operated by the Cornell University. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2019 Elsevier Inc.",
year = "2019",
month = jun,
doi = "10.1016/j.icarus.2019.02.009",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "325",
pages = "94--104",
journal = "Icarus",
issn = "0019-1035",
publisher = "Academic Press Inc.",
}