CN and C₂ molecules in the coma of comet C/1995 O1 Hale-Bopp

Abstract

The spectrometric observations of the Cornet 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 Arry Detector in the optical region of the spectrum, during its closest approach (19-24 April 1997) for four nights. The molecular emissions bands of CN at 3888 Å, and C₂ (∆ v = +1, 0, -1) at 4690 Å, 5160 Å respectively, were detected. Column densities and production rates at different heliocentric and geometric distance were also determined.