A theoretical study of Comet Halley's spectrum in the infrared range

Synthetic spectra of Comet Halley between 2.5 and 15 μm are calculated on the basis of current cometary models. This study shows that molecules which are most likely detectable in the infrared range include H₂O, CO, CO₂, CH₄, NH₃, N₂H₄, and H₂CO. The flux emitted by these molecules, mostly due to resonant scattering, should be sufficient for detection by a flyby mission.