Exposed amorphous water ice on comet 49P/Arend-Rigaux

Comet 49P/Arend-Rigaux, thought to be a low activity comet since the 1980's was found to be active in its recent apparitions. Recent analysis of the data obtained from Spitzer observation of the comet in 2006 compared with laboratory spectra had revealed amorphous water ice on the surface. In addition, in 2012 a jet was found to appear during its subsequent perihelion passage as witnessed during an observation carried out on 26th March 2012 using the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) telescope at Mt. Abu. This confirms recent activity of comet 49P/Arend-Rigaux. Our result confirms the presence of amorphous water ice on the surface of the comet and insists for more observations for a better understanding.