Free core nutation observed by VLBI

Abstract

Aims. The signature of free core nutation (FCN) is found in the motion of the celestial intermediate pole in the celestial reference frame and in the resonance behaviour of the frequency-dependent Earth tidal displacement in its diurnal band. We focus on estimation of the FCN parameters, i.e. the period and amplitude. Methods. We run several global adjustments of 27 years of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) data (1984.0-2011.0) to determine the FCN period from partial derivatives of the VLBI observables with respect to the FCN as contained in the nutation of the celestial intermediate pole and in the solid Earth tidal displacement in the diurnal band. Finally, we estimate the FCN period by a global adjustment from both phenomena simultaneously, which has not been done before. Results. We find that our estimate of the FCN period of-431.18 ± 0.10 sidereal days slightly deviates from the conventional value of-431.39 sidereal days. Additionally, we present our empirical model of the FCN with variable amplitude and phase compatible with the estimated period. © 2013 ESO.