Coupled Escape Probability for an Asymmetric Spherical Case: Modeling Optically Thick Comets

TL;DR

This paper introduces an adapted Coupled Escape Probability method for accurately modeling radiative transfer in asymmetric spherical environments, specifically applied to optically thick cometary comae, improving spectral analysis near the nucleus.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel adaptation of the Coupled Escape Probability method for asymmetric spherical cases, enhancing modeling accuracy for optically thick cometary atmospheres.

Findings

Effective modeling of comet spectra in optically thick regions

Application to observations of 9P/Tempel 1 and 103P/Hartley 2

Improved understanding of cometary coma radiative transfer

Abstract

We have adapted Coupled Escape Probability, a new exact method of solving radiative transfer problems, for use in asymmetrical spherical situations. Our model is intended specifically for use in modeling optically thick cometary comae, although not limited to such use. This method enables the accurate modeling of comets' spectra even in the potentially optically thick regions nearest the nucleus, such as those seen in Deep Impact observations of 9P/Tempel 1 and EPOXI observations of 103P/Hartley 2.