Publications (307)681.73 Total impact
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Article: TNOs are Cool: A survey of the trans-Neptunian region. VIII. Combined Herschel PACS and SPIRE observations of 9 bright targets at 70--500 micron
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ABSTRACT: Transneptunian objects (TNOs) are bodies populating the Kuiper Belt and they are believed to retain the most pristine and least altered material of the solar system. The Herschel Open Time Key Program entitled "TNOs are Cool: A survey of the trans-Neptunian region" has been awarded 373 h to investigate the albedo, size distribution and thermal properties of TNOs and Centaurs. Here we focus on the brightest targets observed by both the PACS and SPIRE multiband photometers: the dwarf planet Haumea, six TNOs (Huya, Orcus, Quaoar, Salacia, 2002 UX25, and 2002 TC302), and two Centaurs (Chiron and Chariklo). Flux densities are derived from PACS and SPIRE instruments using optimised data reduction methods. The spectral energy distribution obtained with the Herschel PACS and SPIRE instruments over 6 bands (centred at 70, 100, 160, 250, 350, and 500 $\mu$m), and with Spitzer-MIPS at 23.7 and 71.4 $\mu$m has been modelled with the NEATM thermal model in order to derive the albedo, diameter, and beaming factor. For the Centaurs Chiron and Chariklo and for the 1000 km sized Orcus and Quaoar, a thermophysical model was also run to better constrain their thermal properties. We derive the size, albedo, and thermal properties, including thermal inertia and surface emissivity, for the 9 TNOs and Centaurs. Several targets show a significant decrease in their spectral emissivity longwards of $\sim$300 $\mu$m and especially at 500 $\mu$m. Using our size estimations and the mass values available in the literature, we also derive the bulk densities for the binaries Quaoar/Weywot (2.18$^{+0.43}_{-0.36}$ g/cm$^3$), Orcus/Vanth (1.53$^{+0.15}_{-0.13}$ g/cm$^3$), and Salacia/Actea (1.29$^{+0.29}_{-0.23}$ g/cm$^3$). Quaoar's density is similar to that of the other dwarf planets Pluto and Haumea, and its value implies high contents of refractory materials mixed with ices.05/2013; -
Conference Proceeding: Spectral simulations of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in the range of VIRTIS/Rosetta
European Planetary Science Congress 2012; 09/2012 -
Article: An upper limit for the water outgassing rate of the main-belt comet 176P/LINEAR observed with Herschel/HIFI
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ABSTRACT: 176P/LINEAR is a member of the new cometary class known as main-belt comets (MBCs). It displayed cometary activity shortly during its 2005 perihelion passage that may be driven by the sublimation of sub-surface ices. We have therefore searched for emission of the H2O 110-101 ground state rotational line at 557 GHz toward 176P/LINEAR with the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared (HIFI) on board the Herschel Space Observatory on UT 8.78 August 2011, about 40 days after its most recent perihelion passage, when the object was at a heliocentric distance of 2.58 AU. No H2O line emission was detected in our observations, from which we derive sensitive 3-sigma upper limits for the water production rate and column density of < 4e25 molec/s and of < 3e10 cm^{-2}, respectively. From the peak brightness measured during the object's active period in 2005, this upper limit is lower than predicted by the relation between production rates and visual magnitudes observed for a sample of comets by Jorda et al. (2008) at this heliocentric distance. Thus, 176P/LINEAR was likely less active at the time of our observation than during its previous perihelion passage. The retrieved upper limit is lower than most values derived for the H2O production rate from the spectroscopic search for CN emission in MBCs.08/2012; -
Article: Submillimetric spectroscopic observations of volatiles in comet C/2004 Q2 (Machholz)
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ABSTRACT: We aim to determine the production rates of several parent and product volatiles and the 12C/13C isotopic carbon ratio in the long-period comet C/2004 Q2 (Machholz), which is likely to originate from the Oort Cloud. The line emission from several molecules in the coma was measured with high signal-to-noise ratio in January 2005 at heliocentric distance of 1.2 AU by means of high-resolution spectroscopic observations using the Submillimeter Telescope (SMT). We have obtained production rates of several volatiles (CH3OH, HCN, H13CN, HNC, H2CO, CO and CS) by comparing the observed and simulated line-integrated intensities. Furthermore, multiline observations of the CH3OH (7-6) series allow us to estimate the rotational temperature using the rotation diagram technique. We find that the CH3OH population distribution of the levels sampled by these lines can be described by a rotational temperature of 40 \pm 3 K. Derived mixing ratios relative to hydrogen cyanide are CO/CH3OH/H2CO/CS/HNC/H13CN/HCN = 30.9/24.6/4.8/0.57/0.031/0.013/1 assuming a pointing offset of 8" due to the uncertain ephemeris at the time of the observations and the telescope pointing error. The measured relative molecular abundances in C/2004 Q2 (Machholz) are between low- to typical values of those obtained in Oort Cloud comets, suggesting that it has visited the inner solar system previously and undergone thermal processing. The HNC/HCN abundance ratio of ~3.1% is comparable to that found in other comets, accounting for the dependence on the heliocentric distance, and could possibly be explained by ion-molecule chemical processes in the low-temperature atmosphere. From a tentative H13CN detection, the measured value of 97 \pm 30 for the H12CN/H13CN isotopologue pair is consistent with a telluric value.08/2012; -
Article: Herschel measurements of the D/H and 16O/18O ratios in water in the Oort-cloud comet C/2009 P1 (Garradd)
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ABSTRACT: The D/H ratio in cometary water is believed to be an important indicator of the conditions under which icy planetesimals formed and can provide clues to the contribution of comets to the delivery of water and other volatiles to Earth. Available measurements suggest that there is isotopic diversity in the comet population. The Herschel Space Observatory revealed an ocean-like ratio in the Jupiter-family comet 103P/Hartley 2, whereas most values measured in Oort-cloud comets are twice as high as the ocean D/H ratio. We present here a new measurement of the D/H ratio in the water of an Oort-cloud comet. HDO, H_2O, and H_2^18O lines were observed with high signal-to-noise ratio in comet C/2009 P1 (Garradd) using the Herschel HIFI instrument. Spectral maps of two water lines were obtained to constrain the water excitation. The D/H ratio derived from the measured H_2^16O and HDO production rates is 2.06+/-0.22 X 10**-4. This result shows that the D/H in the water of Oort-cloud comets is not as high as previously thought, at least for a fraction of the population, hence the paradigm of a single, archetypal D/H ratio for all Oort-cloud comets is no longer tenable. Nevertheless, the value measured in C/2009 P1 (Garradd) is significantly higher than the Earth's ocean value of 1.558 X 10**-4. The measured H_2^16O/H_2^18O ratio of 523+/-32 is, however, consistent with the terrestrial value.07/2012; -
Article: Interferometric mapping of the 3.3-mm continuum emission of comet 17P/Holmes after its 2007 outburst
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ABSTRACT: Comet 17P/Holmes underwent a dramatic outburst in October 2007, caused by the sudden fragmentation of its nucleus and the production of a large quantity of grains scattering sunlight. We report on 90 GHz continuum observations carried out with the IRAM Plateau de Bure interferometer on 27.1 and 28.2 October 2007 UT, i.e., 4-5 days after the outburst. These observations probed the thermal radiation of large dust particles, and therefore provide the best constraints on the mass in the ejecta debris. The thermal emission of the debris was modelled and coupled to a time-dependent description of their expansion after the outburst. The analysis was performed in the Fourier plane. Visibilities were computed for the two observing dates and compared to the data to measure their velocity and mass. Optical data and 250-GHz continuum measurements published in the literature were used to further constrain the dust kinematics and size distribution. Two distinct dust components in terms of kinematic properties are identified in the data. The large-velocity component, with typical velocities V0 of 50-100 m/s for 1 mm particles, displays a steep size distribution with a size index estimated to q = -3.7 (\pm0.1), assuming a minimum grain size of 0.1 \mum. It corresponds to the fast expanding shell observed in optical images. The slowly-moving "core" component (V0 = 7-9 m/s) detected near the nucleus has a size index |q| < 3.4 and contains a higher proportion of large particles than the shell. The dust mass in the core is in the range 0.1-1 that of the shell. Using optical constants pertaining to porous grains (50% porosity) made of astronomical silicates mixed with water ice (48% in mass), the total dust mass Mdust injected by the outburst is estimated to 4-14 x 10**11 kg, corresponding to 3-9% the nucleus mass.05/2012; -
Article: Present and Future Cometary Science with the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer
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ABSTRACT: Interferometric observations are essential to probe the molecular emission in the inner cometary atmospheres and study the outgassing from the nucleus. Mapping the continuum emission can provide information about the dust and/or nucleus properties. We present here a summary of the observations of the dust and gas coma of comet 17P/Holmes and nuclear observations of 8P/Tuttle, both carried out with the IRAM interferometer at Plateau de Bure (PdBI) in 2007–2008. The observations of these two comets demonstrate the ability of the PdBI in terms of cometary science. In the near future, several improvements will be made (new receivers at 0.8mm, a new wide-band correlator) allowing more frequent and more detailed studies of comets. On the long term, NOEMA, an expansion project, may add up to six antennas to the Plateau de Bure Interferometer, and increase the baseline lengths. Such an instrument would offer a complement to ALMA to track comets of the northern hemisphere with about half the sensitivity of ALMA for continuum studies.Earth Moon and Planets 04/2012; 105(2):89-93. · 0.67 Impact Factor -
Article: Photoemission Phenomena in the Solar System
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ABSTRACT: Much of what we know about the atmospheres of the planets and other bodies in the solar system comes from detection of photons over a wide wavelength range, from X-rays to radio waves. In this chapter, we present current information in various categories—measurements of the airglows of the terrestrial planets, the dayglows of the outer planets and satellites, aurora throughout the solar system, observations of cometary spectra, and the emission of X-rays from a variety of planetary bodies.Space Science Reviews 04/2012; 139(1):267-310. · 3.61 Impact Factor -
Article: A Multi-Wavelength Simultaneous Study of the Composition of the Halley Family Comet 8P/Tuttle
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ABSTRACT: We report on simultaneous optical and infrared observations of the Halley Family comet 8P/Tuttle performed with the ESO Very Large Telescope. Such multi-wavelength and coordinated observations are a good example of what can be done to support space missions. From high resolution optical spectroscopy of the CN (0,0) 388nm and NH2 (0,9,0) 610nm bands using UVES at UT2 we determined 12C/13C=90±10 and 14N/15N=150±20 in CN and we derived a nuclear spin temperature of NH3 of 29±1K. These values are similar to those found in Oort-Cloud and Jupiter Family comets. From low resolution long slit spectroscopy with FORS1 at UT2 we determined the CN, C3 and C2 production rates and the parent and daughter scale lengths up to 5.2 105km tailward. From high resolution IR spectroscopy with CRIRES at UT1 we measured simultaneously the production rates and mixing ratios of H2O, HCN, C2H2, CH4, C2H6, and CH3OH.Earth Moon and Planets 04/2012; 105(2):343-349. · 0.67 Impact Factor -
Article: Ammonia and other parent molecules in comet 10P/Tempel 2 from Herschel/HIFI and ground-based radio observations
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ABSTRACT: The Jupiter-family comet 10P/Tempel 2 was observed during its 2010 return with the Herschel Space Observatory. We present here the observation of the (J, K) = (1, 0)-(0, 0) transition of ammonia at 572 GHz in this comet with the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared (HIFI) of Herschel. We also report on radio observations of other molecules (HCN, CH3OH, H2S and CS) obtained during the 1999 return of the comet with the CSO telescope and the JCMT, and during its 2010 return with the IRAM 30-m telescope. Molecular abundances relative to water are 0.09%, 1.8%, 0.4%, and 0.08% for HCN, CH3OH, H2S, and CS, respectively. An abundance of 0.5% for NH3 is obtained, which is similar to the values measured in other comets. The hyperfine structure of the ammonia line is resolved for the first time in an astronomical source. Strong anisotropy in the outgassing is present in all observations from 1999 to 2010 and is modelled to derive the production rates.01/2012; -
Article: The surface composition and temperature of asteroid 21 Lutetia as observed by Rosetta/VIRTIS.
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ABSTRACT: The Visible, InfraRed, and Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS) on Rosetta obtained hyperspectral images, spectral reflectance maps, and temperature maps of the asteroid 21 Lutetia. No absorption features, of either silicates or hydrated minerals, have been detected across the observed area in the spectral range from 0.4 to 3.5 micrometers. The surface temperature reaches a maximum value of 245 kelvin and correlates well with topographic features. The thermal inertia is in the range from 20 to 30 joules meter(-2) kelvin(-1) second(-0.5), comparable to a lunarlike powdery regolith. Spectral signatures of surface alteration, resulting from space weathering, seem to be missing. Lutetia is likely a remnant of the primordial planetesimal population, unaltered by differentiation processes and composed of chondritic materials of enstatitic or carbonaceous origin, dominated by iron-poor minerals that have not suffered aqueous alteration.Science 10/2011; 334(6055):492-4. · 31.20 Impact Factor -
Article: Molecular investigations of comets C/2002 X5 (Kudo-Fujikawa), C/2002 V1 (NEAT), and C/2006 P1 (McNaught) at small heliocentric distances
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ABSTRACT: We present unique spectroscopic radio observations of comets C/2002 X5 (Kudo-Fujikawa), C/2002 V1 (NEAT), and C/2006 P1 (McNaught), which came within $r_h ~ 0.2 AU of the Sun in 2003 and 2007. The molecules OH, HCN, HNC, CS, and CH3OH were detected in each of these comets when they were exposed to strong heating from the Sun. Both HC3N and HCO+ were detected in comets C/2002 X5 and C/2006 P1, respectively. We show that in these very productive comets close to the Sun screening of the photodissociation by the Sun UV radiation plays a non-negligible role. Acceleration of the gas expansion velocity and day-night asymmetry is also measured and modeled. The CS photodissociation lifetime was constrained to be about 2.5 x 10**-5 s-1 at r_h = 1 AU. The relative abundances are compared to values determined from more distant observations of C/2002 X5 or other comets. A high HNC/HCN production-rate ratio, in the range 10 to 30 % between 0.5 and 0.1 AU from the Sun, is measured. The trend for a significant enrichment in CS in cometary comae (CS/HCN proportional to r_h**-0.8) is confirmed in all three comets. The CH3OH/HCN production rate ratio decreases at low r_h. The HC3N/HCN production rate ratio in comet C/2002 X5 is four times higher than measured in any other comet.02/2011; -
Article: Earth-based detection of the millimetric thermal emission of the nucleus of comet 8P/Tuttle
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ABSTRACT: Little is known about the physical properties of cometary nuclei. Apart from space mission targets, measuring the thermal emission of a nucleus is one of the few means to derive its size, independently of its albedo, and to constrain some of its thermal properties. This emission is difficult to detect from Earth but space telescopes (Infrared Space Observatory, Spitzer Space Telescope, Herschel Space Observatory) allow reliable measurements in the infrared and the sub-millimetre domains. We aim at better characterizing the thermal properties of the nucleus of comet 8P/Tuttle using multi-wavelentgh space- and ground-based observations, in the visible, infrared, and millimetre range. We used the Plateau de Bure Interferometer to measure the millimetre thermal emission of comet 8P/Tuttle at 240 GHz (1.25 mm) and analysed the observations with the shape model derived from Hubble Space Telescope observations and the nucleus size derived from Spitzer Space Telescope observations. We report on the first detection of the millimetre thermal emission of a cometary nucleus since comet C/1995 O1 Hale-Bopp in 1997. Using the two contact spheres shape model derived from Hubble Space Telescope observations, we constrained the thermal properties of the nucleus. Our millimetre observations are best match with: i) a thermal inertia lower than ~10 J K-1 m-2 s-1/2, ii) an emissivity lower than 0.8, indicating a non-negligible contribution of the colder sub-surface layers to the outcoming millimetre flux.01/2011; -
Article: Comet 10P/Tempel 2 Outgassing and Composition from Herschel and Ground-based Sub-millimeter Observations
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ABSTRACT: Comet 10P/Tempel 2 was observed between 15 June and 29 July 2010 with the HIFI instrument of the Herschel Space Observatory, as part of the guaranteed time key programme "Water and related chemistry in the Solar System" (KP-GT HssO). The observations with Herschel were carried around the last perihelion passage of the comet (4.9 July 2010) at 1.42 AU from the Sun, at the maximum of its activity. Several water lines were observed to map and monitor the mid and short-term activity of the comet. Complementary observations were obtained from the IRAM 30m radiotelescope on 7-11 July 2010. Both HERSCHEL and IRAM observations suggest that the outgassing is mostly dominated by a strong jet (at 0.9km/s), directed towards the observer and the north. The gas temperature is estimated to 30K from the observation of methanol lines. The water outgassing peaked around 2.5E28 molec./s. Abundances of HCN, CH3OH, CS, H2S and NH3 will be presentded. HCN and CH3OH were also detected two perihelions ago at CSO and JCMT and displayed similar strongly blueshifted lines illustrating the recurrent apparition of this strong jet.09/2010; 42:946. -
Article: Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann Observed with the Herschel Space Observatory: Detection of Water Vapour and Dust Far-IR Thermal Emission
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ABSTRACT: The distant comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann was observed with the HIFI, PACS and SPIRE instruments aboard the Herschel Space Observatory, as part of the guaranteed time key programme "Water and related chemistry in the Solar System" (KP-GT HssO). Supporting observations of the 230 GHz CO line were carried out with the IRAM 30-m telescope. The HIFI observations of the 557 GHz H2O line were performed on 19.05 April 2010, about 2 days after a major outburst, and on 11.02 May 2010, when 29P was in a more quiescent phase. H2O was detected on both dates with a production rate corresponding to about 1/10th the CO production, assuming near-nucleus production. The H2O line shape is consistent with release of water vapour from icy grains. PACS and SPIRE imaging data from 70 to 500 micrometers were acquired mid-June 2010 when the comet was in a quiescent phase. The continuum emission detected in the 70-μm and 160-μm PACS images is weakly extended with respect to the PSF, suggesting a major contribution from the nucleus or from slowly moving large grains.09/2010; 42:946. -
Article: First results on Martian carbon monoxide from Herschel/HIFI observations
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ABSTRACT: We report on the initial analysis of Herschel/HIFI carbon monoxide (CO) observations of the Martian atmosphere performed between 11 and 16 April 2010. We selected the (7-6) rotational transitions of the isotopes ^{13}CO at 771 GHz and C^{18}O at 768 GHz in order to retrieve the mean vertical profile of temperature and the mean volume mixing ratio of carbon monoxide. The derived temperature profile agrees within less than 5 K with general circulation model (GCM) predictions up to an altitude of 45 km, however, show about 12-15 K lower values at 60 km. The CO mixing ratio was determined as 980 \pm 150 ppm, in agreement with the 900 ppm derived from Herschel/SPIRE observations in November 2009. Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics (special issue on HIFI first results); minor changes to match published version07/2010; -
Article: Herschel/HIFI observations of Mars: first detection of O_2 at submillimetre wavelengths and upper limits on HCl and H_2O_2
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ABSTRACT: We report on an initial analysis of Herschel/HIFI observations of hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen peroxide (H_2O_2), and molecular oxygen (O_2) in the Martian atmosphere performed on 13 and 16 April 2010 (L_s ~ 77{\deg}). We derived a constant volume mixing ratio of 1400 +/- 120 ppm for O_2 and determined upper limits of 200 ppt for HCl and 2 ppb for H_2O_2. Radiative transfer model calculations indicate that the vertical profile of O_2 may not be constant. Photochemical models determine the lowest values of H_2O_2 to be around L_s ~ 75{\deg} but overestimate the volume mixing ratio compared to our measurements.07/2010; -
Article: Herschel/HIFI observations of Mars: First detection of O 2 at submillimetre wavelengths and upper limits on HCl and H 2 O 2
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ABSTRACT: We report on an initial analysis of Herschel/HIFI observations of hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), and molecular oxygen (O 2) in the Martian atmosphere performed on 13 and 16 April 2010 (L s ∼ 77 •). We derived a constant volume mixing ratio of 1400 ± 120 ppm for O 2 and determined upper limits of 200 ppt for HCl and 2 ppb for H 2 O 2 . Radiative transfer model calculations indicate that the vertical profile of O 2 may not be constant. Photochemical models determine the lowest values of H 2 O 2 to be around L s ∼ 75 • but overestimate the volume mixing ratio compared to our measurements.Astronomy and Astrophysics 07/2010; 521, L49:1049-1053. · 4.59 Impact Factor -
Article: First results on Martian carbon monoxide from Herschel/HIFI observations
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ABSTRACT: We report on the initial analysis of Herschel/HIFI carbon monoxide (CO) observations of the Martian atmosphere performed between 11 and 16 April 2010. We selected the (7–6) rotational transitions of the isotopes 13 CO at 771 GHz and C 18 O and 768 GHz in order to retrieve the mean vertical profile of temperature and the mean volume mixing ratio of carbon monoxide. The derived temperature profile agrees within less than 5 K with general circulation model (GCM) predictions up to an altitude of 45 km, however, show about 12–15 K lower values at 60 km. The CO mixing ratio was determined as 980 ± 150 ppm, in agreement with the 900 ppm derived from Herschel/SPIRE observations in November 2009.Astronomy and Astrophysics 07/2010; 521, L48:1044-1048. · 4.59 Impact Factor -
Article: Water production in comet 81P/Wild 2 as determined by Herschel/HIFI
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ABSTRACT: The high spectral resolution and sensitivity of Herschel/HIFI allows for the detection of multiple rotational water lines and accurate determina-tions of water production rates in comets. In this Letter we present HIFI observations of the fundamental 1 10 –1 01 (557 GHz) ortho and 1 11 –0 00 (1113 GHz) para rotational transitions of water in comet 81P/Wild 2 acquired in February 2010. We mapped the extent of the water line emission with five point scans. Line profiles are computed using excitation models which include excitation by collisions with electrons and neutrals and solar infrared radiation. We derive a mean water production rate of 1.0 × 10 28 molecules s −1 at a heliocentric distance of 1.61 AU about 20 days before perihelion, in agreement with production rates measured from the ground using observations of the 18-cm OH lines. Furthermore, we constrain the electron density profile and gas kinetic temperature, and estimate the coma expansion velocity by fitting the water line shapes.Astronomy and Astrophysics 07/2010; 521, L50:1054-1058. · 4.59 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
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1970–2012
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Observatoire de Paris
Paris, Ile-de-France, France
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2011
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National Institute of Astrophysics
- Institute of Physics of Interplanetary Space IFSI
Roma, Latium, Italy
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1999–2011
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Paris Diderot University
Paris, Ile-de-France, France
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2006
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French National Centre for Scientific Research
Lyon, Rhone-Alpes, France
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2001–2005
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD, USA
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1998–2005
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University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Institute for Astronomy
Honolulu, HI, USA
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1981
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University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst Center, MA, USA
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