Dr Aurélie Guilbert-Lepoutre (LGL-TPE, University of Lyon)
Andrea Simpson - andrea.simpson@physics.ox.ac.uk
Abstract - Comets provide among the most valuable insights into the formation of our planetary system. In fact, they may be the closest we can get to understanding the conditions prevailing in the early solar system. But only in rare occasions can comet nuclei be studied directly, as these objects are generally observed whilst active. The coma they produce approaching the Sun shields comet nuclei from any close Earth-based scrutiny, making them inherently difficult objects to detect and characterise.
During their lifetime, comets are affected by collisions, tidal and centrifugal forces, radiogenic heating and solar irradiation. Over long timescales, the complex interplay between these thermal and mechanical processes, acting at various stages during a nucleus’ history, could be modifying their bulk properties to varying degrees. In this context, what can they truly tell us about the origins of the solar system?
For this presentation, we will focus on the long-term thermal processing of comet nuclei, how comet populations are distinctly modified during their history, and why the ESA/Comet Interceptor mission will have such a great impact for cometary science.