Detection of heavy metals in the atmosphere of comet C/2016 R2

The detection of the heavy metals iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) in the fuzzy atmosphere of a comet are illustrated in this image, which features the spectrum of light of C/2016 R2 (PANSTARRS) on the top left superimposed to a real image of the comet taken with the SPECULOOS telescope at ESO’s Paranal Observatory. Each white peak in the spectrum represents a different element, with those for iron and nickel indicated by blue and orange dashes, respectively. Spectra like these are possible thanks to the UVES instrument on ESO’s VLT, a high-resolution spectrograph that spreads the line so much they can be individually identified. In addition, UVES remains sensitive down to wavelengths of 300nm. Most of the important iron and nickel lines appear at wavelengths of around 350nm, meaning that the capabilities of UVES were essential in making this discovery.

Crediti:

ESO/L. Calçada, SPECULOOS Team/E. Jehin, Manfroid et al.

Riguardo l'immagine

Identificazione:eso2108a
Tipo:Collage
Data di rilascio:Mercoledì 19 Maggio 2021 17:00
Notizie relative:eso2108
Grandezza:4000 x 2500 px

Riguardo all'oggetto

Nome:C/2016 R2 (PANSTARRS)
Tipo:Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Comet
Categoria:Solar System

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