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The constitution of cometary nucleiThe nongravitational term in the expression for the total force acting on a comet is calculated, and an upper limit is obtained for the product of the radial nongravitational term times the radius times the square root of the albedo. This condition is satisfied for ten periodic comets with q no greater than 1.5 AU, and the activity of these comets is consistent with control by H2O ice. Some of the comets must be spotty to account for their low albedo values. The effect of cosmic rays on comets, leading to frosting of their surface, is discussed.
Document ID
19780035845
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Whipple, F. L.
(Harvard College Observatory and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge Mass., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Colloquium
Location: Lyons
Country: France
Start Date: August 17, 1976
End Date: August 20, 1976
Accession Number
78A19754
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7082
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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