CN and C2 molecules in the coma of comet C/1995 O 1 Hale-Bopp

Abstract

The spectrophotometric observations of the Comet C/1995 O1 Hale-Bopp were taken through 104 cm telescope of the U.P. State Observatory, Naini Tal using EG & G Spectrograph coupled with an Optical Multi Channel Analyser and Reticon Array Detector in the optical region of the spectrum, during its closest approach (19-24 April 1997) for four nights. The molecular emission bands of CN at 3888 Angstrom, and C2 (∆ v=+1, 0, -1) at 4690 Angstrom, 5160 Angstrom, and 5530 Angstrom respectively, were detected. Column densities and production rates at different heliocentric and geocentric distances were also determined.