Interferometric imaging of the sulfur-bearing molecules H2S, SO and CS in comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp)

TL;DR

This study uses interferometric observations to analyze the spatial distribution and origins of sulfur-bearing molecules in comet Hale-Bopp, revealing jet-like structures and providing new photodissociation rates.

Contribution

First detailed interferometric imaging of H2S, SO, and CS in a comet, linking molecular distributions to cometary activity and refining photodissociation rates.

Findings

Detection of jet-like structures in SO and CS

Measured SO photodissociation rate of 1.5E-4 s^-1 at 1 AU

CS photodissociation rate estimated between 1E-5 and 5E-5 s^-1

Abstract

We present observations of rotational lines of H2S, SO and CS performed in comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp) in March 1997 with the Plateau de Bure interferometer (IRAM). The observations provide informations on the spatial and velocity distributions of these molecules. They can be used to constrain their photodissociation rate and their origin. We use a radiative transfer code which allows us to compute synthetic line profiles and interferometric maps, to be compared to the observations. Both single-dish spectra and interferometric spectral maps show a day/night asymmetry in the outgassing. From the analysis of the spectral maps, including the astrometry, we show that SO and CS present in addition a jet-like structure that may be the gaseous counterpart of the dust high-latitude jet observed in optical images. A CS rotating jet is also observed. Using the astrometry provided by continuum radio maps obtained in parallel, we conclude that there is no need to invoke of nongravitational forces acting on this comet, and provide an updated orbit. The radial extension of H2S is found to be consistent with direct release from the nucleus. SO displays an extended radial distribution. Assuming that SO2 is the parent of SO, the photodissociation rate of SO is measured to be 1.5 E-4 s-1 at 1 AU from the Sun. This is lower than most laboratory-based estimates and may suggest that SO is not solely produced by SO2 photolysis. From the observations of J(2-1) and J(5-4) CS lines, we deduce a CS photodissociation rate of 1 to 5 E-5 s-1. The photodissociation rate of CS2, the likely parent of CS, cannot be constrained due to insufficient resolution, but our data are consistent with published values. These observations illustrate the cometary science that will be performed with the future ALMA interferometer.