Using the Ultraviolet and Visible spectrum of Comet 122P/de Vico to Identify the Parent Molecule CS 2

Abstract

A comparison has been made between the unidentified spectral lines of comet 122P/de Vico and observed dispersed fluorescence spectra in the UV and visible region from jet cooled CS 2. Twenty-eight lines of the spectral atlas of this comet have been identified as originating from emission of CS 2 when this molecule is excited by solar radiation in the near-ultraviolet region of the spectra. This work proves the presence of CS 2 in comets and points to a new method for identifying parent molecules in comets.