Comet 81P/Wild 2 size, shape, and orientation

Details Comet 81P/Wild 2 size, shape, and orientation Comet 81P/Wild 2 size, shape, and orientation

Dec 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004jgre..10912s02d&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 109, Issue E12, CiteID E12S02

Physics

9

Planetology: Comets And Small Bodies: Surfaces And Interiors, Planetology: Comets And Small Bodies: Orbital And Rotational Dynamics, Planetology: Comets And Small Bodies: Instruments And Techniques, Planetology: Comets And Small Bodies: Remote Sensing, Planetology: Solar System Objects: Comets

Scientific paper

Spectacular images, taken during the flyby of 81P/Wild 2 by the NASA Stardust spacecraft, were used to determine that the shape of the comet 81P/Wild 2 nucleus can be reasonably modeled as a triaxial ellipse having radii 1.65 × 2.00 × 2.75 km +/- 0.05 km (1σ). The shortest axis, considered the rotational axis, has a right ascension of 110° and a declination of -13°. The longest axis, used to define zero longitude, has an argument of prime meridian angle of 155°. All angles use the IAU definitions, are relative to the Earth Mean Equator and Vernal Equinox of J2000 and have uncertainties of +/-3° (1σ). The rotational axis was pointed 65° from the sun during the Stardust encounter of 81P/Wild 2, making an area within 25° of the spin axis in continual sunlight and the apparent source of a few major jets.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Comet 81P/Wild 2 size, shape, and orientation does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Comet 81P/Wild 2 size, shape, and orientation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Comet 81P/Wild 2 size, shape, and orientation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1085929