Activity and composition of the hyperactive comet 46P/Wirtanen during its close approach in 2018

Context. Hyperactive comets are a small group of comets whose activity is higher than expected. They seem to emit more water than would normally be expected given the size of their nucleus. Comet 46P/Wirtanen (hereafter, 46P) is among these objects of interest. Investigating its activity and composition evolution could provide clues about its origins and its formation region in the Solar nebulae.Aims. Given the exceptional close approach of comet 46P to the Earth in 2018, we aim to study the evolution of its activity and composition as a function of heliocentric distances before and after perihelion. Methods. We used both TRAPPIST telescopes to monitor the comet for almost a year with broad and narrow-band filters. We derived the production rates of five gaseous species (OH, NH, CN, C3, and C2) using a Haser model as well as the A(theta)f rho dust proxy parameter. The comet was also observed with the two optical high-resolution spectrographs UVES and ESPRESSO, mounted on the 8-m ESO VLT, to measure the isotopic ratios of C and N, along with the oxygen forbidden-line ratios and the NH2 ortho-to-para ratios. Results. Over nearly a year, we followed the rise and decline of the production rates of different species as well as the dust activity of 46P on both pre-and post-perihelion. Relative abundances with respect to CN and OH along the orbit of the comet show constant and symmetric abundance ratios and a typical coma composition. We determined the rotation period of the nucleus using high-cadence observations and long series of CN images on several nights. We obtained a value of (9.18 +/- 0.05) hours at perihelion. Using the high-resolution spectra of 46P coma, we derived C and N isotopic ratios of 100 +/- 20 and 150 +/- 30 as well as a green-to-red forbidden oxygen [OI] line ratio of 0.23 +/- 0.02. We measured a NH2 ortho-to-para ratio of 3.31 +/- 0.03 and derived an ammonia ratio of 1.19 +/- 0.03, corresponding to a spin temperature of 27 +/- 1 K. Conclusions. Narrow-band observations show that comet 46P is a hyperactive comet for which 40% of its nucleus surface is active. It has a typical composition, similar to other normal comets; however, an asymmetric behavior with respect to perihelion has been seen in its activity, which is typical of seasonal effects. Photometric measurements show no evidence for a change in the rotation period of the nucleus during this apparition. High-resolution spectra show that 46P has typical NH2 ortho-to-para, [OI] lines ratios, and C and N isotopic ratios.

Automated summary

By studying the activity and composition of comet 46P, researchers found that it is more active than expected, emitting a greater amount of water than what would be predicted based on its nucleus size. Investigating the behavior of comet 46P provides insights into its origins and formation in the Solar nebulae.