Mass of particles released by comet 12P/Pons-Brooks during 2023-2024 outbursts

TL;DR

This study models the mass of particles released during 14 outbursts of comet 12P/Pons-Brooks in 2023-2024, revealing ejected masses from 10^{10} to 10^{13} kg and proposing a new classification scheme.

Contribution

It introduces a numerical model estimating ejected mass during outbursts based on observational data and surface activity, with a novel six-level classification scheme.

Findings

Ejected mass ranged from 10^{10} to 10^{13} kg.

Outburst amplitude and surface activity significantly influence ejected mass.

Proposed a six-level classification scheme for cometary outbursts.

Abstract

During its most recent return, comet 12P/Pons-Brooks experienced 14 well-documented outbursts, observed between June 13, 2023, and April 2024, at heliocentric distances ranging from $4.26\,$au to $0.85\,$au. After perihelion, two additional outbursts were observed in summer 2024, at heliocentric distances of $1.20\,$au and $2.26\,$au. Using observational data, we developed a numerical model to estimate the mass ejected during these events, focusing on the sublimation of ice through the porous cometary nucleus. The key factors affecting ejected mass estimates are the outburst amplitude and the active surface area during both quiet sublimation and the outburst phases. Pogson's law was used to express outburst magnitude, incorporating scattering cross-sections of cometary agglomerates. The model iteratively determined the mass ejected in observed outbursts, considering various ice types (H$_{2}$O and CO$_{2}$) controlling sublimation activity. Our results indicate that the mass ejected during these outbursts ranged from 10$^{10}$ to 10$^{13}$ kg. Our findings highlight the significant role of surface morphology and thermodynamic conditions in cometary outbursts, providing insights into the mechanisms driving these phenomena and their implications for cometary evolution and dust trail formation. Based on the analysis of observational data, we propose a six-level classification scheme for cometary outbursts.