Comet Hale-Bopp (1995 O1) Dust Imaging
S. M. Lederer (U. Florida), D. G. Schleicher (Lowell Obs.), D. J. Osip (U. Florida)
We present absolutely calibrated continuum CCD images of Comet Hale-Bopp (1995 O1). Data were obtained at Lowell Observatory with the 42'' Hall Telescope using a TI 800x800 CCD camera during October and November of 1996. The scale of the resultant images is 0.72''/pixel. IHW narrowband comet filters were used to isolate the continuum at and as well as emission from CN, and .
We are investigating aperture effects in the derived dust production rates using the formalism. Results from simultaneous narrowband photoelectric photometry (cf. Schleicher, et al.) taken at the 31'' telescope at Lowell Observatory will be compared with the values derived from the imaging data. In addition, morphological analysis (eg. radial profiles, axial symmetries, discreet structures, etc.) of the individual continuum images, color maps, and implications regarding the underlying dust contribution to the gaseous emission species will be addressed.
This work was supported by grants from NASA and NSF.