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Periodic photometric variations in the near-nucleus zone of P/Giacobini-Zinner

Journal Article · · Icarus; (United States)
Using the International Halley Watch standard filter set, periodic comet P/Giacobini-Zinner was observed photometrically before its 1985 perihelion passage. By Fourier analysis, a periodicity of 9.5 plus or minus 0.2 hours was found in the light curve of a color index of the nuclear region of the comet; this is interpreted as being produced by albedo variations and also possibly by a nonspherical geometry of the spinning nucleus. A statistical analysis of the result indicates that the period found is significant within at least a 97 percent confidence level. 17 references.
Research Organization:
Tel Aviv Univ., Israel
OSTI ID:
6482065
Journal Information:
Icarus; (United States), Journal Name: Icarus; (United States) Vol. 68; ISSN ICRSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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