On the Shape of Cometary Tails

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Abstract
On the basis of a particle swarm structure for a comet, the subsequent space distribution of particles of different sizes produced within it near perihelion is calculated for a series of later instants. The separation of some particles from the main part of the comet is produced by radiation pressure (or dynamically equivalent effects), and can be represented as a reduction in solar attraction, including of course complete reversal. Some properties of the resulting locus of particles (of different sizes and effective gravitation) leaving the comet at a single instant are discussed; some of the results obtained are applied to the particular case of Comet Arend–Roland. The theory provides a straightforward explanation of the apparent sunward ‘spike’ observed for this comet in terms of a fan-shaped distribution of emitted particles observable only when viewed from positions in or very near its general plane.

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