Authors:
Licandro J., Campins H., Hergenrother C., Lara L.M.
Journal:
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Abstract:
We report near-infrared (0.9-2.3 μm) 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.
Keywords:
Comets; Infrared; Minor planets