Other
Scientific paper
Dec 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011sosyr..45..504k&link_type=abstract
Solar System Research, Volume 45, Issue 6, pp.504-514
Other
Scientific paper
Cometary nuclei are being actively studied using spacecrafts. In November 2010, the Deep Impact spacecraft (EPOXI project, NASA) approached the nucleus of comet 103P/Hartley 2 and returned images of this small celestial body having a dumbbell shape with a smooth neck. Since rotation of the nucleus leads to centrifugal forces, it is assumed that the dumbbell neck appeared as the result of their effect and the neck is lengthening slowly but continuously, which should eventually result in fragmentation of the nucleus. This paper considers dynamical evolution of the nucleus of comet Hartley 2. Calculations show that centrifugal forces exceed gravitational forces in the narrow part, and the nucleus can indeed undergo upcoming breakup and fragmentation into two parts. If there are no external perturbations, both parts of the celestial body will drift apart to a distance of less than 1 km from each other. The nucleus of comet Hartley 2 is an observed example of breakup of a celestial body. Asteroid Itokawa is considered, which has a similar feature but does not seem to undergo breakup.
No associations
LandOfFree
Dynamical evolution of the nucleus of comet Hartley 2 and Asteroid Itokawa 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 Dynamical evolution of the nucleus of comet Hartley 2 and Asteroid Itokawa, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamical evolution of the nucleus of comet Hartley 2 and Asteroid Itokawa will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1439954