The role of astronomical silicates during a cometary outburst ⋆

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a new approach to analyzing the change of cometary brightness. In our considerations, we assume that astronomical silicates (dust agglomerates) and gas are present in the coma. This assumption is a consequence of the analysis of the result observed during the Rosetta mission to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (abbreviated 67P/Ch-G). The dimensions of these agglomerates can be up to several centimeters. However, the large ones are few compared to particles with dimensions of several micrometers. This paper presents the results of calculations on the change in hypothetical comet brightness as a result of its outburst. The calculations take into account the percentage of carbonaceous particles and silicates rich in magnesium.