Diurnal Ejection of Boulder Clusters on Comet 67P Lasting beyond 3 au

Abstract

Ejection of large boulder-like debris is a vigorous form of cometary activity that is unlikely induced by water ice out-gassing alone but rather associated with the sublimation of super-volatile ices. Though perceived on several comets, the actual pattern and mechanism of such activity are still unclear. Here we report on a specialized observation of ejections of decimeter- to meter-sized boulders on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko outbound between 2.5 and 3.3 au from the Sun. With a common source region, these events recurred in local morning. The boulders of elongated shapes were ejected in clusters at low inclinations comparable to the solar elevation below 40° at the time. We show that these chunks could be propelled by the surrounding asymmetric gas field that produced a distinct lateral acceleration. Possibly both water and carbon dioxide have contributed to their mobilization, while the season and local topography are among deciding factors. The mechanisms for sustaining regular activity of comets at large heliocentric distances are likely more diverse and intricate than previously thought.

Keywords

• Comets
• Coma dust
• Comet surfaces
• Comet volatiles