31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann

31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann
Discovery
Discovered by

Arnold Schwassmann

Arno Arthur Wachmann
Discovery date January 17, 1929
Alternative
designations
1929 I; 1935 III; 1942 I;
1948 VII; 1955 I; 1961 VII;
1968 II; 1974 XIII; 1981 VI;
1987 XIX; 1994 II
Orbital characteristics A
Epoch March 6, 2006
Aphelion 5.048 AU
Perihelion 3.416 AU
Semi-major axis 4.232 AU
Eccentricity 0.1928
Orbital period 8.705 a
Inclination 4.5487°
Last perihelion September 29, 2010[1]
January 18, 2002[1]
Next perihelion 2019-Jul-06[2]

31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann, also known as Schwassmann–Wachmann 2, is a periodic comet in the Solar System. It was discovered on January 17, 1929, at an apparent magnitude of 11.[3] The comet has been seen at every apparition.

The comet nucleus is estimated to be 6.2 kilometers in diameter.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 Seiichi Yoshida (2008-10-26). "31P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 2". Seiichi Yoshida's Comet Catalog. Retrieved 2010-01-24.
  2. Patrick Rocher (2011-06-13). "Note number : 0016 P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 2 : 31P". Institut de mécanique céleste et de calcul des éphémérides. Retrieved 2012-02-18.
  3. Kronk, Gary W. "31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann 2". Retrieved 2010-01-24. (Cometography Home Page)
  4. "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann 2" (2010-01-21 last obs). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 2010-02-26.

External links

Periodic comets (by number)
Previous
30P/Reinmuth
31P/Schwassmann–Wachmann Next
32P/Comas Solá


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