Cometocentric coordinates of the tail axis of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

Abstract

In this paper, we consider errors in the measurement of cometocentric coordinates. The sequence of actions for determining the cometocentric coordinates by perspective projection of the image points of the comet onto the orbital plane is given on the example of comet 67P. Conditions are shown that increase the accuracy of determining the angle of rotation and the center of the photometric kernel in the Stumpf method. The effect of precession and proper motion of stars on the accuracy of the determined values is below the data used. The value of the deviation of the comet's tail indicates its plasma nature.