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.


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    Title :

    Analysis of the rotation of comet Halley


    Contributors:
    Szegö, K. (author) / Kondor, A. (author) / Larson, S. (author) / Merènyi, E. (author) / Sagdeev, R.Z. (author) / Smith, B.A. (author) / Tòth, I. (author)

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1989-01-01


    Size :

    4 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



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