A discussion on impact models of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 fragments with Jupiter from some observational results

DOI: 
10.1016/S0032-0633(97)00081-0
Publication date: 
01/10/1997
Main author: 
Molina, A
IAA authors: 
Authors: 
Molina, A; Moreno, F; Munoz, O
Journal: 
PLANETARY AND SPACE SCIENCE
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
45
Pages: 
1279-+
Number: 
Abstract: 
Starting from some observable features following the collision of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 fragments with Jupiter (e.g. detection of sulfur in the stratosphere, aerosols of the cometary debris, impact site geometry),different entry and fireball models are compared. In addition to the results obtained by other authors, results obtained from observations at the William Herschel Telescope at La Palma, Spain, are used in particular those concerning the H, G and E/F impacts. Analytical models are mostly discussed, although some results of computational models are also considered for comparison. It is concluded that the fragments were equal or less than 500 m in diameter, I they penetrated near or under the 1 bar level, but always above the water cloud level. Considering their density of 0.6 (0.2)g cm(-3), the diameter before entry was 600 (850) m, its maximum density after compression was at 9 (17)km above the 1 bar level. Hydrodynamic instabilities (Rayleigh-Taylor and/or Kelvin-Helmholtz) fragmented the bolide between 1 and 5 bar. Some conclusions relative to the stratospheric aerosols are also made. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Database: 
WOK
ADS
URL: 
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/#abs/1997P&SS...45.1279M/abstract
ADS Bibcode: 
1997P&SS...45.1279M
Keywords: