Description
We present near-infrared integral-field-unit spectroscopic observations of the recently discovered long period comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) taken with the JWST and NIRSpec. These give a first look at the evolving drivers of cometary activity as this comet approaches the Sun, with observations taken at 7au and additional epochs planned at 5au and 3au during this year. In the first epoch we find that the comet shows emission features due to CO2 but, surprisingly, no CO. There are water ice grains in the coma. We discuss the implications for long period comet evolution, and for the upcoming Comet Interceptor mission.
Primary author
Colin Snodgrass
(The University of Edinburgh)
