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A new model for cometary nuclei.A new model for the nucleus of comets is presented, hypothesizing formation at large heliocentric distances from many independent solid bodies. It is shown that such a configuration would collapse to a single assemblage if it is to survive into the inner solar system. Prior to collapse, the bodies would be subject to coating by interstellar gas and particles, which would form the material lost into the coma at subsequent inner solar system perihelia. Quantitative estimates place an upper limit to the body sizes of 2.3 m and a lower limit of the number as 3 x 10 to the 10th power with sizes of a few tenths of a micron and numbers of about 10 to the 33rd power most probable. The major structural and evolutionary features of such comet nuclei are consistent with the Whipple icy-conglomerate model.
Document ID
19730059664
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
O'Dell, C. R.
(Yerkes Observatory Williams Bay, Wis., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1973
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 19
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Accession Number
73A44466
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-14-001-060
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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