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Disintegration phenomena in Comet WestTwo peculiarities of Comet West, the multiple splitting of the nucleus as seen in telescope observations and the complex structure of the dust tail, are discussed. A method of analysis based on the premise that the observed rate of separation of a fragment from the principal nucleus is determined by the difference in effective solar attraction acting on the bodies is applied to investigate the motion of the four fragments that separated from the nucleus of Comet West. The predicted motion of the fragments is in good agreement with available observations. It is suggested that the 'synchronic' bands of the dust tail consist of tiny fragments from relatively large particles that burst after release from the comet. The unusual orientation of these bands and their high surface brightness relative to the diffuse tail are explained by a sudden increase in the particle acceleration and in the total scattering surface as the result of the disintegration of the larger particles.
Document ID
19760049734
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Sekanina, Z.
(Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Harvard College Observatory Cambridge, Mass., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Sky and Telescope
Volume: 51
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
76A32700
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7082
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-09-015-159
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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