Photoluminescence and Cathodoluminescence of the Solid Cometary Substance

Abstract

We have proposed that solar ultraviolet and corpuscular radiations may excite photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence of the solid cometary substance including mineral halos of comets. Main characteristics of such possible luminescence and physical mechanisms of these phenomena have considered. Results of the tentative identification of previously unknown cometary emissions and data of laboratory research of meteorites are presented. We have shown as well that cometary solid substance may demonstrate red luminescence - similar of red luminescence by the circumstellar dust. Some other aspects of the problem have also been considered.

Keywords

• asteroids
• comets
• mineralogy
• solar wind
• solar radiation