The meteoroid streams crossing the frequently outbursting comet 29P/Schwassmann–Wachmann

Abstract

In our theoretical work, the meteoroid impacts are examined as the mechanism of frequent outbursts in brightness of comet 29P/Schwassmann–Wachmann. We qualitatively analyze if a meteoroid impact is able to cause an observable outburst. The answer is positive for some reasonable ranges of the input parameters entering the analysis. Further, we search for the close approaches of periodic comets and minor planets to the orbit of 29P. Assuming that these comets and some asteroids associate their meteoroid streams, the short 29P׳s orbital arcs at these approaches are, at the same time, the crossing zones with the meteoroid streams, where an impact can occur. We found several tens such crossing zones, but only (with a single exception) on the half-arc of the 29P׳s orbit centered on the aphelion. This result is inconsistent with the observed distribution of the outbursts, which have been detected mainly on the post-perihelion arc of the comet orbit. Hence, the meteoroid impacts probably do not cause the observed outbursts of 29P.