DiSanti and Neil Dello Russo observed and measure the ratio of carbon monoxide to water in Comet Hale-Bopp. Theirs was the first direct study of the amount of carbon monoxide relative to water and the first time CO has been distinguished quantitatively over a range of distances from the sun. The findings were published in Nature . Comets forming in the relatively warm early solar system would contain more water and less carbon monoxide than comets formed in the cold, dense cloud of pre-solar system gas and dust. Hale-Bopp gave off 12 percent carbon monoxide to water, leading the team to conclude that the comet formed in the region between Jupiter and Neptune and was then thrust into deeper space.
Scientists studying comets take observational opportunities as they arise.
Hale-Bopp, a particularly bright comet, for example, won't be visible from Earth for 2,300 years. Halley, also a bright comet, arrived before the technological advances were in place to study it thoroughly. In the year 4300, when Hale-Bopp makes its next appearance, physicits can turn to the researchers' findings to help them evaulate how the comet fared in its space journey and add their own clues to the mystery of how the solar system was formed. All contents copyright 1999. The Catholic University of America, Office of Public Affairs.