Comets - Information on Comets
Comets are dirty-ice leftovers from the formation of our solar system around 4.6 billion years ago. They are among the least-changed objects in our solar system and, as such, may yield important clues about the formation of our solar system. We can predict the orbits of many comets, but not all. Around a dozen "new" comets are discovered each year.
Comet Tempel-Tuttle
Comet Tempel-Tuttle has only been observed during a few of its 33 year cycle apparitions during the past 600 years. However, the orientation of its orbit is such that Tempel-Tuttle intercepts Earth's orbit nearly exactly, making a relatively close approach to the Earth every few passes. The resultant Leonid meteor shower has historically been very spectacular in the few years after Tempel-Tuttle passes perihelion.
Comet Tempel-Tuttle has only been observed during a few of its 33 year cycle apparitions during the past 600 years. However, the orientation of its orbit is such that Tempel-Tuttle intercepts Earth's orbit nearly exactly, making a relatively close approach to the Earth every few passes. The resultant Leonid meteor shower has historically been very spectacular in the few years after Tempel-Tuttle passes perihelion.
Halley's Comet
Using Newton's new Laws of motion, the astronomer, Edmond Halley, made a prediction in 1705. He stated that a comet which had appeared in 1531, 1607 and 1682 would reappear in 1758. Although he was proven to be correct, Halley did not live to see it. However, the comet was later named in his honor. During the 20th century, Halley's Comet appeared in 1910 and 1986. During that most recent visit, five spacecraft from the USSR, Japan, and the European Community journeyed to Comet Halley.
Using Newton's new Laws of motion, the astronomer, Edmond Halley, made a prediction in 1705. He stated that a comet which had appeared in 1531, 1607 and 1682 would reappear in 1758. Although he was proven to be correct, Halley did not live to see it. However, the comet was later named in his honor. During the 20th century, Halley's Comet appeared in 1910 and 1986. During that most recent visit, five spacecraft from the USSR, Japan, and the European Community journeyed to Comet Halley.
Comets Information and Pictures
Throughout history, people have been awed and alarmed by comets, stars with "long hair" that appeared in the sky unannounced and unpredictably. We now know more about comets. We can predict the orbits of many of them, but not all. Discover comets facts and pictures.
Throughout history, people have been awed and alarmed by comets, stars with "long hair" that appeared in the sky unannounced and unpredictably. We now know more about comets. We can predict the orbits of many of them, but not all. Discover comets facts and pictures.