Thermal evolution of cometary nuclei

Abstract

The long-term thermal evolution in models of comet nuclei is examined. Models of the nucleus surface and interior are discussed and the equations of comet nucleus evolution are analyzed. The thermal evolution of a nucleus in Comet P/Halley's orbit is outlined. The effects of temperature, composition, and orbital parameters on the evolutionary course are examined. Consideration is given to the implications of the assumption that new comets are pristine objects which have undergone little alteration and constitute a source of original solar nebula material.