Interaction of Comet Shoemaker-Levy-9 with the Jovian Magnetosphere

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9322360 Hill The investigators propose to carry out theoretical investigations of the plasma interactions associated with the impending encounter of the Comet Shoemaker-Levy-9 fragments with Jupiter and its magnetosphere. They will concentrate on potentially observable consequences of the interaction of comet material with the magnetosphere, both before and after the impact episode. Because the comet is already fragmented and carries significant dust (and perhaps gas) components, its interaction with Jupiter's magnetosphere may well have observable effects upon its first encounter with the bow shock or magnetopause, about a month before planetary impact. These effects include electrostatic disruption of grains, copious ionization, and the intriguing possibility of remote optical imaging of the magnetospheric boundary. During and after the impact episode, magnetospheric convection may be influenced by the mass-loading effect of comet ejecta, with observable consequences in the optical Io torus, the Jovian aurora, and Jovian radio emissions. The theoretical investigation of these phenomena will combine analytical and tested numerical techniques, and will be carried out in close conjunction with relevant observational programs to maximize the scientific return from this rare celestial event. ***