Bibcode
Licandro, J.; Campins, H.; Hergenrother, C.; Lara, L. M.
Bibliographical reference
Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.398, p.L45-L48 (2003)
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2
2003
Journal
Citations
35
Refereed citations
31
Description
We report near-infrared (0.9-2.3 mu m) spectral observations of the bare
nucleus of comet 124P/Mrkos taken on two different nights using the Near
Infrared Camera Spectrometer (NICS) attached to the 3.56 m Telescopio
Nazionale Galileo (TNG). Both spectra are very similar, featureless and
slightly redder than the Sun, resembling the spectrum of a D type
asteroid. The spectrum and the low activity level of the nucleus of 124P
suggest that it is covered by a large insulating dust mantle.