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On the polar moment of inertia of a compressible bodyThe rotational dynamics of a body are governed by the values of its principle moments of inertia. These quantities are not directly observable, but they are related to the harmonic coefficients of the external gravity field and to the density distribution within the body, both of which can be inferred from appropriate observations. It is shown that, for the particular case of a spherical planet whose density varies as a power of the radial distance, the principal moment of inertia has an elegantly simple form. Application of this simplified case to the Jovian planets suggests that the density profiles outside the central core are approximately linear, with the apparent exception of Neptune.
Document ID
19800060777
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mulholland, J. D.
(McDonald Observatory; Texas, University Austin, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1980
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
80A44947
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-44-012-282
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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