NICER observation list: Target ID 855536

Abstract

We request 200 ks of NICER observing time to study the interaction between the solar wind and two bright comets, C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) and P/2010 H2 (Vales). Utilizing NICER's agility and sensitivity, we aim to compare charge-exchange spectra arising from the comets interaction with varied solar-wind states. Simultaneous observations of both comets at distinct solar latitudes allow us to compare spectra from differing solar-wind conditions. This offers a unique opportunity to map the solar wind during solar maximum and explore charge-exchange reactions in astrophysical plasmas spanning a 0.1 10 MK temperature range. By comparing the cometary spectra we will investigate the source of unexplained emission features between 1-2 keV.
Obsid RA DEC l b Start End Exposure Number of
Modules
Number of
Processing
Status of
Processing
Date of
Processing
Public
date
8555360101 150.018 9.195 228.566 45.812 60782.4333 60782.8967 2696.0 50 6 VALIDATED 60794.0 60976
8555360201 150.018 9.194 228.567 45.810 60784.4337 60784.7642 4730.0 50 4 VALIDATED 60795.9 60978
8555360301 150.016 9.193 228.566 45.809 60786.4370 60786.8928 3361.0 50 6 VALIDATED 60797.2 60980