Detection of OCS in comet Hyakutake (C/1996 B2)

The first unambiguous detection of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) in a comet is reported. On March 19, 1996 UT the J(12-11) transition at 145.95 GHz was detected using the National Radio Astronomy Observatory 12 m dish on Kitt Peak. This confirms that OCS at least partially accounts for the missing source of the atomic sulfur observed in the UV. The production rates of H2S and CH3OH have also been measured.