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Chapter 15: Problem 29

Why are comets more likely to break apart at perihelion than at aphelion?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Comets are more likely to break apart at perihelion than at aphelion because they face stronger gravitational forces from the Sun, and receive more solar radiation which causes higher rates of volatile material evaporation, leading to gas and dust jets that can disintegrate the comet. These forces are significantly reduced at the aphelion.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Celestial Mechanics

A comet's orbit around the Sun is elliptical, with the sun at one of the two foci. This means that the distance from the Sun to the comet isn't constant. It varies throughout the comet's orbit. The point at which the comet is closest to the sun is called its perihelion. The point at which the comet is farthest from the sun is called its aphelion.
02

Understanding the Effects of Gravitational Forces

At perihelion, the gravitational pull of the Sun on the comet is strongest. This could lead to tidal forces that can help break apart a loosely consolidated comet nucleus.
03

Understanding the Effects of Solar Radiation

When the comet is near perihelion, it receives the highest amount of solar radiation, causing the ices in the comet to vaporize at a high rate and creating strong jets of gas and dust. These can provide additional forces that can help disintegrate the comet.
04

Relating the Aphelion and Comet Breakup

At aphelion, the comet is furthest from the Sun, receiving much less solar radiation and experiencing much less tidal forces. Therefore, it is less likely to break apart at this point in its orbit.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What are the Trojan asteroids, and where are they located? What holds them in this location?

Suppose that a binary asteroid (two asteroids orbiting each other) is observed in which one member is 16 times brighter than the other. Suppose that both members have the same albedo and that the larger of the two is \(120 \mathrm{~km}\) in diameter. What is the diameter of the other member?

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