Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Feb 1982
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1982mnras.198..573h&link_type=abstract
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, vol. 198, Feb. 1982, p. 573-582.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
22
Comets, Gravitational Effects, Mass Distribution, Orbital Elements, Perihelions, Periodic Variations, Comet Nuclei, Planetary Gravitation, Solar System, Temporal Distribution
Scientific paper
The variation of the mass distribution of comets as they evolve is examined. Theoretical predictions are compared with the observations of two specific cometary groups: (1) so-called young comets which have orbital periods greater than 200 years and which are assumed to have been recently perturbed into the inner solar system; and (2) so-called middle-aged comets which have periods less than 200 years (these are members of the Jovian and Saturnian family and have been in the inner solar system for a considerable time). Middle-aged comets have a lower mass distribution index than young ones, 1.49 as opposed to 1.74. Assuming that the rate of change of mass, m, is proportional to m to the alpha power, it is found that alpha = 0.75 + or - 0.04.
Daniels P. A.
Hughes David W. W.
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