CCD observations of distant comets from Palomar and Steward Observatories

We are conducting a ground-based observational study of distant cometary nuclei with the aim of increasing the current database of physical parameters of individual objects, and to estimate the overall distributions of size, rotation period, axial ratio, and color indices. Additionally, we are obtaining CCD spectroscopy and photometry of established and potential targets of current and future spacecraft missions. The results presented here are derived from CCD imaging obtained using the 2.3-m Bok telescope of Steward Observatory (Arizona), obtained in May 2001, and the 5-m Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory (California), obtained in May 2000 and March 2001. Comets observed include 4P/Faye, 6P/d'Arrest, 22P/Kopff, 36P/Whipple, 50P/Arend, 78P/Gehrels 2, 92P/Sanguin, 107P/Wilson-Harrington, and 128P/Shoemaker-Holt 1-A. Of the nine comets observed, only Comets 4P/Faye and 50P/Arend displayed visible coma activity. We have performed either single R filter or multi-filter (BVRI) measurements on these comets, from which we obtain radius and broadband color estimates as well as Af-rho values for the active comets. For selected objects we have performed time-series R filter imaging from which we have derived the rotation period and lower limits on the nuclear axial ratio and density. The radius results obtained are included in the cometary nucleus size distribution estimate by Weissman and Lowry (2003). © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.