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118P/Shoemaker–Levy

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Periodic comet with 6 year orbit
118P/Shoemaker-Levy
118P when 2AU from the Sun
Discovery
Discovered byCarolyn S. Shoemaker
Eugene Merle Shoemaker
David H. Levy
Discovery dateFebruary 9, 1991
Designations
Alternative designations118P/1991 C2; 1990 XII; 1991f; 118P/1995 M1
Orbital characteristics
EpochMay 1, 2009
(JD 2454952.5)
Aphelion4.943 AU
Perihelion1.984 AU
Semi-major axis3.463 AU
Eccentricity0.4272
Orbital period6.45 yr
Inclination8.509°
Last perihelion2022-Nov-24
June 16, 2016
January 2, 2010
Next perihelion2029-01-11

118P/Shoemaker–Levy (also known as periodic comet Shoemaker–Levy 4) is a comet discovered by astronomers Carolyn and Eugene M. Shoemaker and David Levy.

During the 2010 apparition the comet became as bright as apparent magnitude 11.5.

The comet nucleus is estimated to be 4.8 kilometers in diameter.

On December 3, 2015, comet Shoemaker–Levy 4 will pass 0.0442 AU (6,610,000 km; 4,110,000 mi) from asteroid 4 Vesta.

This comet should not be confused with Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 (D/1993 F2) which spectacularly crashed into Jupiter in 1994.

References

  1. ^ "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 118P/Shoemaker-Levy 4" (2009-11-28 last obs). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  2. ^ "118P/Shoemaker–Levy Orbit". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  3. ^ Syuichi Nakano (2009-09-01). "118P/Shoemaker-Levy 4 (NK 1820)". OAA Computing and Minor Planet Sections. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  4. Seiichi Yoshida (2008-11-26). "118P/Shoemaker–Levy 4". Seiichi Yoshida's Comet Catalog. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  5. Seiichi Yoshida (2010-01-17). "Weekly Information about Bright Comets (2010 Jan. 16: North)". Seiichi Yoshida's Comet Catalog. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
  6. "JPL Close-Approach Data: 118P/Shoemaker-Levy 4" (2009-11-28 last obs). Retrieved 2010-03-03.

External links


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