An elementary derivation of the Montgomery phase formula for the Euler top (Q983127)

The Montgomery phase formula for the Euler top is derived in an elementary way by using only basic facts about Euler equations and the parallel transport on \(S^2\). An important conclusion of this study is that the holonomy yields the geometric phase. Also, for the geometric phase of motions starting close to an unstable equilibrium point, an approximate geometric interpretation is given.