YORP effect
nounEtymology From the first letters of the surnames Yarkovsky, O'Keefe, Radzievskii and Paddack + effect. Coined in 2000 by American geophysicist David Perry Rubincam.
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Astrophysics The effect of solar radiation on an asymmetric asteroid or other small body whereby its rate of rotation increases, potentially leading to the object's eventual disintegration.
- Related terms
- Yarkovsky effect