Comet Encke
Comet Encke, officially known as 2P/Encke, is one of the shortest-period comets known, with an orbital period of approximately 3.3 years. Here is detailed information about this celestial object:
Discovery and Naming
- Discovered by: Pierre Méchain in 1786, but the comet was named after Johann Franz Encke, who calculated its orbit.
- First confirmed sighting: In 1786 by Pierre Méchain.
- Named after: Johann Franz Encke, who in 1819 computed the comet's orbit and demonstrated its periodicity.
Orbital Characteristics
- Orbital Period: 3.30 years, making it one of the shortest known periods for a comet.
- Perihelion Distance: Approximately 0.34 AU (Astronomical Units) from the Sun.
- Aphelion Distance: Around 4.1 AU from the Sun.
- Eccentricity: Its orbit is quite elliptical, with an eccentricity of about 0.85.
- Inclination: The orbit of Comet Encke is inclined at 11.76 degrees to the ecliptic.
Physical Characteristics
- Nucleus: The nucleus of Comet Encke has a diameter of roughly 4.8 km.
- Activity: It shows typical comet behavior, releasing gas and dust as it approaches the Sun, creating a visible coma and tail.
- Color: Observations have indicated that its nucleus appears reddish, suggesting a composition rich in organic materials.
Historical Observations
- Comet Encke has been observed since antiquity, with records dating back to 1786. However, its periodicity was not recognized until Encke's calculations.
- It has been regularly observed every few years, providing valuable data for astronomers studying comets and their behavior.
Scientific Significance
- Orbital Decay: Encke's orbit is subject to perturbations, particularly by Jupiter, leading to a gradual decrease in its period and an increase in the eccentricity of its orbit.
- Outgassing: Observations have shown that Comet Encke undergoes significant outgassing as it nears the Sun, which contributes to its visibility.
- Cometary Dust: It is believed that Comet Encke contributes to the annual Taurid Meteor Shower, although this is still a topic of research.
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