Asymptotic approximations to the eigenfunctions of Laplace’s tidal equation (Hough functions) are obtained for prescribed
λ
=
σ
/2
ω
(
σ
= angular frequency,
ω
= angular velocity of planet) and large values of Lamb’s parameter,
β
= 4
ω
2
a
2
/
gh
(
a
is the planetary radius, and
h
the equivalent depth for a particular vertical structure),
qua
eigenvalue. Both positive and negative eigenvalues are considered. The results are validated by comparison with the extensive numerical results of Flattery (1967) and Longuet-Higgins (1968). They should be useful in atmospheric tidal studies, especially for a rapidly rotating planet, and may be useful for studies of equatorial motions in the oceans.