Rotation of Comet Hartley 2 from Structures in the Coma

Details Rotation of Comet Hartley 2 from Structures in the Coma Rotation of Comet Hartley 2 from Structures in the Coma

2011-04-25

arxiv.org/abs/1104.4672v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Earth and Planetary Astrophysics

14 pages, 5 figures, Accepted for Astrophysical Journal Letters

Scientific paper

The CN coma structure of the EPOXI mission target, comet 103P/Hartley 2, was observed during twenty nights from September to December 2010. These CN images probe the rotational state of the comet's nucleus and provide a ground-based observational context to complement the EPOXI observations. A dynamically excited cometary nucleus with a changing rotational rate is observed, a characteristic not seen in any comet in the past. The lack of rotational damping during the four-month observing interval places constraints on the interior structure of the nucleus.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Rotation of Comet Hartley 2 from Structures in the Coma 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 Rotation of Comet Hartley 2 from Structures in the Coma, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rotation of Comet Hartley 2 from Structures in the Coma will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-544480