  We compute the angular dynamics of a neutrally buoyant nearly spherical
particle immersed in an unsteady fluid. We assume that the particle is small,
that its translational slip velocity is negligible, and that unsteady and
convective inertia are small perturbations. We derive an approximation for the
torque on the particle that determines the first inertial corrections to
Jeffery's equation. These corrections arise as a consequence of local vortex
stretching, and can be substantial in turbulence where local vortex stretching
is strong and closely linked to the irreversibility of turbulence.
