Work

Hydrogen Cyanide in Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) from 3.4 mm Wave Spectra

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The composition inside a comet nuclear can be detected through the molecular rotational emission lines at millimeter or submillimeter wavelengths. We observed a long-period comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) using the Purple Mountain Observatory 13.7 m radio telescope at 3.4 mm during mid January and early February in 2023. From the observed spectra, the hydrogen cyanide (HCN)(J = 1–0) spectra lines was detected. The mean production rate of HCN is (8.30 ± 1.14) × 1025 molec. s−1 in mid January and (3.91 ± 0.84) × 1025 molec. s−1 in early February. we also estimated the upper limit of the production rate of HCO+. We obtained the abundance of HCN relative to water, (0.13 ± 0.02)% in mid January when C/2022 E3 (ZTF) got close to the Sun at 1.11 au, and (0.13 ± 0.03)% in early February at 1.16 au. Our conclusion leans toward E3 being similar to most comets, with the abundance of HCN remaining stable during our two observation periods.

Source: The Astronomical Journal

DOI: 10.3847/1538-3881/ada7e7

Authors: Juncen Li, Jianchun Shi, Yuehua Ma, Jixian Sun

Institutions: University of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Purple Mountain Observatory, Shanghai Astronomical Observatory

Language: English

Topic: Astro and Planetary Science

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,499

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China