The photometric study of the plasma tail of Comet Hyakutake (C/1996 B2)

Abstract

The brightness distribution for the plasma tail of Comet Hyakutake is obtained. The photometric scans along the unusually long jet directed at the tail side are studied. The photometric scans along the main streams in plasma tail are compared with the brightness profiles calculated on the basis of the diffusion model of the plasma tail. The magnetic field induction and the lifetime of ions in the tail of Comet Hyakutake as well as the coefficients of diffusion are estimated.