Circumnutations: results from recent experiments on Earth and in space

Abstract

Results of experiments on circumnutations from the last few decades are discussed, particularly in regard to the relationship between gravity and circumnutations. Pertinent and new results from experiments in microgravity as well as results from ground-based studies are summarized, and questions with relevance to space activities are posed. Theoretical approaches to describe aspects of circumnutation are also discussed. The review indicates some areas where further research efforts are needed.