P/1997 B1

P/1997 B1 (Kobayashi)
Discovery
Discovered by Takao Kobayashi
Orbital characteristics[1]
Epoch 2450506.5
(February 27, 1997)
Aphelion 15.1 AU
Perihelion 2.054 AU
last perihelion: January 30–31, 1997
8.6 AU
Eccentricity 0.761
25.17 a[1]
Inclination 12.4°

    On January 30 and January 31, 1997, Takao Kobayashi observed an object, P/1997 B1 (Kobayashi), which was initially thought to be a minor planet and was reported to the IAU as such by S. Nakano. Over the next few days, the object was observed to be in a cometary orbit. W. Offutt later showed it to be a comet.[2] For discovery of a comet with CCD, as well as the faintest discovery, Kobayashi ranks the first among amateur astronomers. It demonstrates that they still have an important role to play in the field of astronomical object discovery.[3]

    See Also

    References

    1. 1 2 "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: P/1997 B1 (Kobayashi)" (1997-01-30 last obs). JPL. Retrieved 2009-12-22.
    2. ↑ "THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 1171". THE ASTRONOMER. Retrieved 2009-12-22.
    3. ↑ "Current comets". Jonathan Shanklin. Retrieved 2009-12-22.

    External Links

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