On the existence of small comets and their interactions with planets
Brandt, J. C. ; A'Hearn, M. F. ; Randall, C. E. ; Schleicher, D. G. ; Shoemaker, E. M. ; Stewart, A. I. F.
Springer
Published 1996
Springer
Published 1996
| ISSN: |
1573-0794
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|---|---|
| Keywords: |
Comets ; small ; search program ; planets
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| Source: |
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
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| Topics: |
Geosciences
Physics
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| Notes: |
Abstract Arguments are presented for a substantial, unexplored population of comets with radii less than 1 km. Known examples confirm this population and extrapolation of any plausible size-distribution function indicates large numbers. However, their accurate numbers, orbital characteristics, and physical properties are unknown. Thus, even though the small comets may be the most frequent cometary bodies impacting the planets, a quantitative evaluation is not currently possible. We advocate an optimized, dedicated search program to characterize this population.
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| Type of Medium: |
Electronic Resource
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| URL: |