Rotation and outbursts of comet P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1

Abstract

The paper examines rotation and outbursts of cometP/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1. The observations of the P/Schwassmann-Wachmann1 show this comet to flare above its quiescent level from beforeperihelion q=5.5 AU, to after aphelion Q of about 7AU. Cometary'afternoon' activity suggests counterclockwise rotation of aphelion poleas seen near lambda=100 deg; outburst dates were derived from observedcoma diameters, and the rotation was found to be direct with pole nearlambda=280 deg. Usually one large area of the comet is active during oneopposition, although two were observed concurrently in four very activeoppositions; old active areas persist near the East limb of the cometand new areas resist development toward the West limb.