Near-infrared spectroscopy of the nucleus of comet 124P/Mrkos

Licandro, J.; Campins, H.; Hergenrother, C.; Lara, L. M.
Bibliographical reference

Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.398, p.L45-L48 (2003)

Advertised on:
2
2003
Number of authors
4
IAC number of authors
1
Citations
35
Refereed citations
31
Description
We report near-infrared (0.9-2.3 mu m) spectral observations of the bare nucleus of comet 124P/Mrkos taken on two different nights using the Near Infrared Camera Spectrometer (NICS) attached to the 3.56 m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG). Both spectra are very similar, featureless and slightly redder than the Sun, resembling the spectrum of a D type asteroid. The spectrum and the low activity level of the nucleus of 124P suggest that it is covered by a large insulating dust mantle.