  We study a vortex in a two-dimensional, harmonically trapped Bose-Einstein
condensate at zero temperature. Through a variational calculation using a trial
condensate wave function and a nonlinear Schroedinger Lagrangian, we obtain the
effective potential experienced by a vortex at an arbitrary position in the
condensate, and find that an off-center vortex will move in a circular
trajectory around the trap center. We find the frequency of this precession to
be smaller than the elementary excitation frequencies in the cloud.
  We also study the radiation of sound from a moving vortex in an infinite,
uniform system, and discuss the validity of this as an approximation for the
trapped case. Furthermore, we estimate the lifetime of a vortex due to
imperfections in the trapping potential.

Condensed Matter