From observations and measurements to realistic modeling of cometary nuclei

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Studying comet surfaces poses challenges, as the nucleus is often too distant for detailed resolution or too active, obscuring features of interest. A key focus is identifying active regions on the surface. While spacecraft can conduct observations, the gas and dust jets present hazards for close-proximity probes, making local activity crucial for safe approaches. This thesis explores observations, analysis, and simulations of dust coma structures—patterns in the coma that indicate active dust-emitting regions on the nucleus. We introduce a scientific software package designed to create realistic physical models of cometary nuclei based on ground or space observations. Our model features a flexible 3D representation of the nucleus and a physical depiction of dust acceleration processes in its vicinity. Key findings include a comprehensive analysis of coma structures for comet 9P/Tempel 1, determining its spin axis orientation, localizing active regions, and constraining dust parameters and activity profiles, with results aligning closely with in-situ measurements from the Deep Impact mission. This pioneering modeling effort, incorporating a realistic nucleus shape, sets the stage for a new era in comet modeling, particularly relevant for ESA’s ROSETTA mission to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.