Striated features in the dust tail of comet C/2006 P1 (McNaught)

To explain the distinct transversal striae observed in the tail of comet C/2006 P1 (McNaught) near the perihelion, a dynamic model for the formation of the dust tail of the comet has been developed. It is supposed that, on the surface of the nucleus, there are three local active domains of the increased outflow of the material. Formation of the striated features is caused by different rates of material outflow from the active areas depending on which side of the rotating nucleus, illuminated or shadowed, these areas are located. It has been found that the period of the axial rotation of the comet is 21 h.