On the relationship of long-period comets to known and unknown planets

Statistical aspects of the question of the dynamical relationship of long-period comets to giant planets (Saturn, Uranus, Neptune), dwarf planets (Pluto, 2003 EL61, 2003 UB313), and five hypothetical planets are investigated. Data for 859 and 888 comets (2005, 2006) with periods P > 200 years are used in the statistics. No comets of the Kreutz, Marsden, Kracht, and Meyer groups are considered. The minimum interorbital distances of comets from the listed planetary bodies are mainly analyzed. Effects testifying to the kinematical relationship of some of the comets to planets have been established by testing the cometary data relative to 67 planes. The distribution of the perihelia of long-period comets is also discussed.