Spectrophotometry of the comets C /2000 WM 1(LINEAR) and C /2002 C1 (Ikeya-Zhang)

Abstract

Spectrophotometric observations of the coma of the comets Cj2000 WM1 (LINEAR) and Cj2002 C1 (Ikeya-Zhang) were taken during Nov, Dec 2001 and Mar, Apr 2002 respectively with 104-cm telescope of the State Observatory, Nainital. CN (A 3883 A) and Ca swan bands ( A 4695, A 5165 and A 5538 A) have been identified in both the comets. Na I emission was detected in comet Ikeya-Zhang. An estimate of CN and Ca abundances and their production rates have been derived. Dust production rates have also been determined.