| Abstract: | Due to the outstanding brightness of Comet Hale-Bopp measurements of water production rates were possible over a wide range
of heliocentric distances (up to 5 AU). A variety of observing techniques have been used, including radio observations, IR-
and UV-measurements. The H2O-production of a comet is closely connected with the energy balance and the composition of its surface. By comparing measured
and calculated rates it is possible to derive properties of the nucleus. The results of this study demonstrate the importance
of seasonal effects and show that a low thermal conductivity enhances the water production rate. The observations can be matched
with a relatively low, lunar-like thermal conductivity. A lower size limit for the nucleus of Hale-Bopp is derived.
This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
