The Spectrum of C/2023 A3 Indicates a Depleted Composition
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: We report a spectroscopic observation of comet C/2023 A3 using an 80 mm apochromatic refractor equipped with a custom-built spectrometer with a resolution of R ∼ 2500 on the night of 2024 October 4. Sodium D lines were detected prominently, while no other emission lines, particularly carbon-bearing species, were observed, which suggests that comet C/2023 A3 may be carbon-depleted. The mobility and flexibility of our observational setup highlight the value of amateur telescopes in observing low-altitude targets like C/2023 A3 as a complement to professional facilities.
Source: Research Notes of the AAS
Authors: Yunyi Tang, Shihao Wang, ZiXuan Lin, Xiaorui Yang, Xinyang Zhang, Songyu Jia, Sharon X. Wang
Language: English
Topic: Astro and Planetary Science
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Award: G3338389211
OpenAlex ID: W4403762751