Abstract The nucleus of P/Halley rotates as a slightly asymmetric top, the orientation of the rotation axis (i.e., the orientation of the angular momentum vector) is 1 = 39°, b = −54° in the ecliptic system. The error zone is a cone about this axis with a half opening angle of 15°. In the rotation of an asymmetric top the rotation axis is not fixed rigidly to the body; this means that while the nucleus rotates about the axis with the short period of 2.2 +/−.05 days, its long axis “nods” periodically with the long period of 7.4 +/−.05 days. The amplitude of the “nodding” is about 14° +/− 3° in both directions relative to a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.
Analysis of the rotation of comet Halley
Advances in Space Research ; 9 , 3 ; 73-76
1989-01-01
4 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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