The Spectrum of C/2023 A3 Indicates A Depleted Composition
Yunyi Tang, Shihao Wang, Zixuan Lin, Xiaorui Yang, Xinyang Zhang, (Tsinghua University), Songyu Jia (Press of Aerospace Knowledge), Sharon X., Wang (Tsinghua University)
TL;DR
This study presents spectroscopic observations of comet C/2023 A3, revealing a depleted carbon composition through prominent sodium lines and absence of other emissions, demonstrating amateur telescope utility.
Contribution
First spectroscopic analysis indicating carbon depletion in comet C/2023 A3 using a custom amateur spectrometer.
Findings
Detection of prominent sodium D lines
Absence of carbon-bearing emission lines
Supports the hypothesis of a carbon-depleted comet
Abstract
We report a spectroscopic observation of comet C/2023 A3 using an 80 mm apochromatic (apo) refractor equipped with a custom-built spectrometer with a resolution of R~2,500 on the night of 4 October 2024. Sodium D lines were detected prominently, while no other emission lines, particularly carbon-bearing species, were observed, which suggests that comet C/2023 A3 may be carbon-depleted. The mobility and flexibility of our observational setup highlight the value of amateur telescopes in observing low-altitude targets like C/2023 A3 as a complement to professional facilities.
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