118P/Shoemaker–Levy
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.[1]
 118P when 2AU from the Sun | |
| Discovery | |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Carolyn S. Shoemaker Eugene Merle Shoemaker David H. Levy |
| Discovery date | February 9, 1991[1] |
| Alternative designations | 118P/1991 C2; 1990 XII; 1991f; 118P/1995 M1 |
| Orbital characteristics A | |
| Epoch | May 1, 2009 (JD 2454952.5) |
| Aphelion | 4.943 AU |
| Perihelion | 1.984 AU |
| Semi-major axis | 3.463 AU |
| Eccentricity | 0.4272 |
| Orbital period | 6.45 yr |
| Inclination | 8.509° |
| Last perihelion | June 16, 2016[2] January 2, 2010[3][2] |
| Next perihelion | 2022-Nov-24[4] |
During the 2010 apparition the comet became as bright as apparent magnitude 11.5.[5]
The comet nucleus is estimated to be 4.8 kilometers in diameter.[1]
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.[6]
This comet should not be confused with Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 (D/1993 F2) which spectacularly crashed into Jupiter in 1994.
References
- "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 118P/Shoemaker-Levy 4" (2009-11-28 last obs). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- Syuichi Nakano (2009-09-01). "118P/Shoemaker-Levy 4 (NK 1820)". OAA Computing and Minor Planet Sections. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- Seiichi Yoshida (2008-11-26). "118P/Shoemaker–Levy 4". Seiichi Yoshida's Comet Catalog. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
- "118P/Shoemaker–Levy Orbit". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 2017-04-07.
- Seiichi Yoshida (2010-01-17). "Weekly Information about Bright Comets (2010 Jan. 16: North)". Seiichi Yoshida's Comet Catalog. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
- "JPL Close-Approach Data: 118P/Shoemaker-Levy 4" (2009-11-28 last obs). Retrieved 2010-03-03.
External links
- Orbital simulation from JPL (Java) / Horizons Ephemeris
- 118P magnitude plot for 2010
- http://jcometobs.web.fc2.com/pcmtn/0118p.htm
- 118P on Kronk's Cometography
| Numbered comets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Previous 117P/Helin–Roman–Alu |
118P/Shoemaker–Levy | Next 119P/Parker–Hartley |
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