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(meteorobs) hypothesis
The dirty iceball description combined with the
dynamic spewing of material as a comet approaches the sun conjurs in my mind an
image (supported by some formal education in astronomy and physics but lacking
the advanced knowledge required to pursue it with certainty or confidence).
The size of the particles ejected from the comet
should cover a wide range with small particles being most numerous. Larger
chunks may hold together for some time and subsequently break apart
under tidal stresses (or collision) as the entire comet mass reaches
perihelion. These non-random bursts that we see could then be particles that had
been part of one mass that is gradually drifting apart as separate
particles.
Can anyone discuss the dynamics that would drive
the behavior of the particles once they separated?
One response had discussed clumping as a random
process, to this I agree (it cant be refuted) . But I believe (emotionally and
unscientifically :-) that the frequency of tight clumping
exceeds the likelihood of random clumping. Shelby's discussion of some of
the history reveals a dynamic (scientific) process where a long trend of
observational data forces the Scientists to dismiss their kneejerk reaction to
the comments of the amateurs and begin to develop a theory which fits the
behavior. I am guessing this process is underway. I see the clumping as highly
analagous to the stream behavior developed by Asher & McNaught and
others.
On another topic. . . the discussion regarding
micrometeorites suprised me a bit as I tended to think of cometary derbis as
pretty lacking in metallic particles. Does the 'dirty' part of dirty snowball
connote stony iron composition?
Tom
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